Pat Sullivan bagged the only goal of the game as Shamrock Rovers grabbed their first win of the campaign at Terryland Park.

 

Sullivan's seventh minute header seperated the teams in a lively contest on the banks of the Corrib. Under pressure to grab a result Rovers started impressively immediately taking control of the contest as their set pieces caused Galway problems.

 

In the fifth minute Seanie O'Connor fizzed a free-kick into the box where Billy Dennehy made a powerful connection, but Galway custodian Barry Ryan saved.

 

The Hoops continued to pour forward, and they were rewarded two minutes later when they took the lead courtesy of a Sullivan header.

 

O'Connor again thumped a delightful free into a crowded goalmouth, and Sullivan reacted smartly to nudge the Hoops ahead.

 

Galway responded and competed well for the remainder of the opening period as midfielder Stephen O'Donnell spearheaded the western challenge.

 

On the half hour mark Ciaran Foley's hack forward was misjudged by Dan Murray, and though Cian McBrien raced clear the Galway youngster failed to test Alan Mannus.

 

McBrien had a 40th minute snap shot saved by Mannus following good approach work from Seamus Conneely and Bobby Ryan, but the Hoops were a threat throughout.

 

Just before the break Robert Bayly blasted a long range effort on target which forced Ryan to make a save. Four minutes after the restart Dennehy went close again with another volley which crept inches wide.

 

The play continued to ebb and flow as Galway were thwarted by Alan Mannus in the 57th minute. O'Connor then examined Ryan with a blistering 64th minute free kick as Seamus Conneely rolled a free down the right, Bobby Ryan and O'Donnell were then involved as McBrien's attempt was turned away for a corner by Mannus.  In the closing stages Rovers were resolute and a  vital victory was posted.

 

Galway United: Barry Ryan; Conneely, Heary (Synott 46), McKenzie, Meynell; Bobby Ryan (King 81), Foley (Curran 65), McBrien, O'Donnell, O'Brien; Sheppard.

 

Shamrock Rovers: Mannus; Sullivan (Price 53), Murray, Sives, Stevens; O'Connor, Rice, Bayly, Dennehy; Barrett (Cahill 90), Kavanagh (Cowan 81).

 

Referee: Damien Hancock (Dublin).