Galway United 1 Shamrock Rovers 1:This contest was high on perspiration and the inspiration arrived in a thrilling finale. Derek Glynn steered Galway United into an 83rd-minute lead, but Tadhg Purcell summoned an ice-cool response in stoppage time to ensure that parity prevailed.
The past five encounters between Galway United and Shamrock Rovers yielded a paltry four goals and this joust was always likely to be similarly tight.
Galway's Glynn used his speed intelligently in the 19th minute but following a blistering run, he rifled his shot over the crossbar.
Galway were playing neat football with John Russell prominent in midfield, but as the half evolved the Hoops started to threaten. David Cassidy smashed a free kick wide, while the enterprising Purcell struck the side-netting in the 37th minute before forcing a reflex save from Gary Rogers seconds later.
Rovers dictated the third quarter proceedings but squandered some good opportunities.
Purcell went close twice, while stand-in skipper Barry Ferguson headed over from David Cassidy's free-kick. The drama unfolded as Russell fashioned Glynn's goal, but Purcell's crisply-struck late equaliser sparked the visiting supporters' celebrations.
GALWAY UNITED: Rogers; Nootimer, Lester, Charles, Reilly; Cooke (James, 76), Foley (Tracey, 82), Russell (McKenna, 88), O'Brien; Moran, Glynn.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: S O'Brien; G O'Brien, Lawrence, Ferguson, Pender (Lantry, 46); Cassidy, Barrett (Ryan, 72), D Magill, O'Connor (Myler, 83); Purcell, Rowe
Referee: A Kelly (Cork).
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