Stephen Grant's third goal of the season lifted Galway United into the top half of the table after their first back-to-back wins of the season.

Curiously, Grant's winner on seven minutes was scored against his team-mate at US club Boston Bulldogs, goalkeeper Russell Payne. Both players are on loan to National League clubs for the winter.

Having survived a couple of scares in the opening minutes from Eddie McCallion crosses into their area, Galway hit back with the goal from a route-one attack on seven minutes.

Billy Clery caught the three-man Derry rearguard square when driving a free-kick from deep inside his own half over the defence. Grant's pace did the rest as he beat the out-rushing Payne to the ball to lob it over him and into the net.

Sean Malee brought a good stop from Payne minutes later while Grant blazed over the top from another Clery free-kick on 18 minutes. Galway turned the screws on Derry from beginning of the second half. Derek O'Brien brought the save of the game from Payne within two minutes, while Eric Lavine's 30-yard shot sailed just inches over the top on 56 minutes.

Derry captain Peter Hutton had a fine shot saved on 70 minutes, before Grant volleyed wide from Malee's cross.

Galway United: Forde; Crossley, Silke, Clery, Morgan; Malee, Sheridan, Murphy, O'Brien; Grant, Lavine. Subs: Keogh for O'Brien (82 mins), O'Connor for Silke (90 mins).

Derry City: Payne; Kelly, Hutton, Harkin; McCallion, Doherty, Hegarty, McLaughlin, Hargan; McCready, Beckett. Subs: Devlin for McCready (59 mins).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).