Galway United 2 Drogheda United 1:GALWAY UNITED grabbed a critical win in a game that featured three penalties at Terryland Park last night.

Drogheda came close to netting a 21st minute lead but Ryan Brennan was unable to connect with Darren Meenan’s cross. Galway were unlucky not to hit the front in the 31st minute when Karl Sheppard’s header was cleared off the line by Corey Treacy.

The third quarter was laced with incident as Drogheda substitute Peter McMahon twice extracted splendid saves from Barry Ryan before Galway hit the front on 55 minutes. Sheppard was fouled by Robert Duggan and Stephen O’Donnell blasted the spot kick to the net.

Drogheda responded in the 61st minute as Brennan was awarded a penalty following a Philip Reilly challenge and Glen Fitzpatrick restored parity.

Drogheda’s McMahon was dismissed on a second yellow card on 76 minutes when blocking a free-kick and Galway took advantage on 83 minutes as O’Donnell slammed home the penalty.

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).

Att: 750