GOALKEEPERS Greg Fleming and Ger Barron were the stars of the show at Terryland Park as parity prevailed in the west.

It was a first half packed with honest and committed football from both team’s who were able to craft chances, and though the second wasn’t as eventful Galway United and UCD went away satisfied by picking up a point.

UCD, eager to pass the ball, enjoyed plenty of possession early on as Robbie Creevy sought to get forward to support the visiting attack.

Graham Rusk and Dean Marshall were involved in the creation of a seventh minute chance, but Creevy’s low, driven effort was saved by Greg Fleming.

Galway had an opportunity in the 10th minute when a 30 yard Alan Murphy free kick struck the post as the locals sought to land a blow.

Creevy was dashing about to good effect and in the 14th minute forced another decent stop from Fleming as the contest remained interesting.

Despite losing Steve Feeney to injury Galway coped with the resultant reshuffle and could have took the lead in the 23rd minute.

Karl Moore skipped clear down the left flank and pulled the ball back for Murphy, who was unable to hit the target from 16 yards.

Moments later a Thomas Boyle error gave Galway substitute Brian Cash, but the former Sligo Rovers winger was unable to muster sufficient power in his right footed shot.

Former Manchester City youngster Moore manufactured a chance for Joseph Yoffe on the stroke of half-time, but Ger Barron made a splendid fingertip save.

Two minutes after the restart UCD were awarded a penalty when Darren Meenan was fouled by Fleming, but Graham Rusk’s spot kick was then saved by the Galway goalkeeper.

The was plenty of furious play in the closing stages as Moore was denied by Barron before Fleming saved from UCD substitutes Daniel Ledwith and Yael Haro.

 

 

Galway United: Fleming; Sinnott, Maher, Feeney (Cash, 10, E Curran, 82), Walsh; Ryan, Sean Kelly, G Curran, Moore; Murphy, Yoffe (Smith, 67).

 

UCD: Barron; O'Connor, Boyle, Leahy, Nangle; Marshall (Haro, 68), Corry, Creevy, O'Callaghan (Ledwith, 46); Rusk, Meenan.

 

Referee: R Rogers (Dublin).