An explosive Terryland Park tussle ended level as Gary O’Neill bagged
an injury time equaliser.
Galway had come from behind to lead, but O’Neill was crafty enough to
ensure Fingal went back to the capital armed with a point.
Galway boss Sean Connor has repeatedly stressed the importance of
being competitive at home so the Tribesmen were keen to made a decent
start.
Fingal, who had troubled Shamrock Rovers on Monday, were similarly
eager in the early stages despite being hampered by the bumpy playing
surface.
The Tribesmen were bright initially Karl Sheppard going close twice
inside the opening five minutes as they probed down the left flank
But Fingal’s squad is stuffed with experience, and they used all their
guile when taking the lead in the 10th minute.
Ronan Finn’s pass shaved off Gary O’Neill, and Eamon Zayed reacted
briskly to nudge Fingal ahead with an assured finish from 16 yards.
A 14th minute Stephen O’Donnell free kick then forced Darren Quigley
to make a save as Galway sought to grab an equaliser.
There was an honesty to Galway’s play and in the 24th minute Anto
Flood and Bobby Ryan manufactured space for O’Donnell, who was again
denied by Quigley.
Fingal’s pace was a threat on the break, and Alan Kirby might have
doubled the visitors advantage in the 34th minute following smart
approach work from Finn.
After the interval Bobby Ryan smashed a 20 yard shot wide following a
brave O’Donnell challenge as Galway pressed for an equaliser.
That leveller was bagged on the hour mark as Sheppard unleashed a 25
yard thunderbolt which rattled the Fingal net.
Flood then scored in the 73rd minute after a sweet Bobby Ryan assist
as Galway deservedly hit the front.
Fingal ploughed on defiantly, and O’Neill made no mistake with a close
range effort in stoppage time, and though substitute Keith Quinn was
red carded for a foul on Jamie McKenzie the visitors made the journey
home with a point.

Galway United: Barry Ryan; Conneely, McKenzie, Synott, Meynell; Bobby
Ryan, Foley, O'Donnell, Creaney; Flood, Sheppard.

Sporting Fingal: Quigley; Browne, Maher, Paisley, O'Brien; James,
Finn, Kirby (Dawson, 81); C Byrne (Quinn, 76), O'Neill, Zayed (Crowe,
81).

Referee: D Tomney (Dublin)