Stalemate was the end result as league leaders Shelbourne had their second draw from their ninth Premier Division tie of the season, against Galway United at Terryland Park last night.
Both sides, from the outset, gave tremendous entertainment to the estimated 2,800 crowd which assembled despite the very wet and windy conditions. Though Shelbourne had early chances, it was Galway who took the lead on 17 minutes. Eric Lavine played a header into the path of in-rushing Colin Fortune.
Fortune volleyed the ball into the visitors' net from the left side of the area past Steve Williams. On 27 minutes, Shelbourne's James Keddy struck a 30-yard volley off the crossbar. The rebound landed in front of Stephen Geoghegan, but he failed to steer the ball home.
Four minutes later, Richie Baker floated in a perfect cross from the right. Galway goalkeeper David Forde failed to hold the ball and 37-year-old veteran Paul Doolin drove it to the roof of the net from six yards for the equaliser.
The second half was dominated by Shelbourne, but due to some ill luck and good defensive work, Galway Utd managed to survive to claim a point.
GALWAY UTD: Forde; Keady, O'Connor, Silke, Morgan, Ryan, Crossley, Sheridan, Fortune, Keogh, Lavine. Sub: Murphy for Keogh (45).
SHELBOURNE: Williams; Prizeman, Heary, McCarthy, Hutchison, R Baker, Doolin, Fenlon, Keddy, S Geoghegan, Foran. Sub: D Baker for S Geoghegan (71).
Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).
