Galway United 0 Shamrock Rovers 1:MICHAEL O'NEILL must sometimes wonder about the peculiarity of League of Ireland football. Last night on the banks of the Corrib, the first series of fixtures came to a halt with another Hoops triumph that leaves them perched on the summit of the table. Despite the victory, O'Neill still has to deal with harsh remarks, but Rovers are ploughing on defiantly as they search for more silverware to fill the Tallaght Stadium trophy cabinet.
Having encountered plenty of bother on home turf in the early weeks of the campaign, Galway really wanted a positive start, but they were in deep trouble after only six minutes.
By that stage Rovers had already taken control, moving the ball into Galway territory quickly. A Gary McCabe cross caused panic and Karl Sheppard profited, heading the visitors ahead.
Sheppard, who enjoyed a productive year in the Galway shirt last season, craved involvement against his former club and moments later the ex-Everton trainee centred for Gary O’Neill, who extracted a fine save from Galway custodian Greg Fleming.
Fleming was called into action again in the 12th minute, saving from Sheppard, who was relishing his return to the west.
As the half evolved there was a marked improvement in Galway’s football and two close efforts in brisk succession from Seán Kelly and Alan Murphy showed the locals were still in contention.
The third quarter was fairly low-key as Rovers were camped in Galway territory, but they weren’t crafting too many opportunities.
When Ronan Finn and O’Neill were given a glimpse of the Galway goal they dragged shots off target.
Galway battled with a desire that will have pleased manager Seán Connor, and Murphy slammed a long-range free-kick wide late on.
Connor introduced Mikey Gilmore for his debut in the closing stages.
GALWAY UNITED: Fleming; Shaun Kelly, Maher (Feeney, 38), Walsh, Sinnott; Ryan (Cash, 27), Seán Kelly, G Kelly, Moore; Keogh (Gilmore 70); Murphy.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Mannus; Sullivan, Murray, Oman, Stevens; McCabe (Kilduff, 71), Rice, Finn, Dennehy; Sheppard, O’Neill (Kavanagh, 83).
Referee: P Tuite (Dublin).
