Galway United grabbed a vital victory at Terryland Park to move out of the relegation play off zone.

 

Stephen O’Donnell bagged a brace of penalties either side of a Glen Fitzpatrick spot kick during a lively encounter in the west.

 

The opening quarter hour was flecked with inventive football from both teams as Drogheda arrived in the west eager to be solid and physical.

 

Galway squandered a second minute opportunity when Gary Curran failed to examine Robert Duggan from a free kick on the edge of the area.

 

Drogheda, though, were competitive and Darragh McNamara should have nudged them ahead in the fifth minute only to shot wastefully wide with only Barry Ryan to beat.

 

There was plenty to admire in Drogheda’s earnest approach and Eric McGill was thwarted by a Barry Ryan save in the 14th minute. Galway weren’t attaining any passing fluidity in the centre of the park as Drogheda went close again on 21 when Ryan Brennan just failed to make sufficient contact with a delightful Darren Meenan delivery.

 

As the half lingered on Galway improved and came within a whisker of netting in the 31st minute, but Corey Treacy cleared a Karl Sheppard header off the line.

 

Drogheda substitute Peter McMahon twice forced Ryan to make brilliant saves shortly after the restart before Galway took a 55th minute lead. Karl Sheppard was fouled in the area by Robert Duggan and O’Donnell whipped the penalty into the back of the Drogs net.

 

The visitors summoned a quick response and in the 61st minute Brennan tumbled following a Philip Reilly challenge and Fitzpatrick levelled from the spot.

 

Drogheda were reduced to 10 men in the 76th minute when McMahon picked up a second yellow card when blocking a quick free kick and O'Donnell pounced for the winner on 83.

 

Galway United: Ryan; Conneely, McKenzie, Reilly, Walsh; Curran, Foley (King 68), O'Donnell, O'Brien; Molloy (Kelly 41), K Sheppard.

 

Drogheda United: Duggan; Treacy (Synott 85), McNally, Daly, Osbourne (McMahon 22); Meenan, Brennan, Crowley, E McGill; Fitzpatrick, McNamara (Flood 68)

 

Referee: T Connolly (Dublin) replaced at half time by P Sutton (Clare).