Galway Unitd 2 Sporting Fingal 2:WHEN SEÁN Connor was named as Galway United's manager during a testing winter, one area was identified as having real significance. Turning Terryland Park into an awkward venue for visiting teams was Connor's mission, and last night's evidence suggested that is exactly what Galway can accomplish. Though Galway deserved full points, an injury-time Gary O'Neill goal ensured Sporting Fingal earned a scarcely-merited point.
Galway, with eight players under the age of 25, began brightly and within a minute Karl Sheppard had headed a Rhys Meynell cross wide. Sheppard was thwarted by Darren Quigley following a similarly fine James Creaney delivery as Galway poured forward in search of the lead.
Fingal took the lead courtesy of a piece of Eamon Zayed opportunism in the 10th minute. Ronan Finn and Gary O’Neill were involved with Zayed providing a crisp finish from 16 yards. Galway’s Stephen O’Donnell twice forced reflex saves from Fingal goalkeeper Darren Quigley.
Galway restored parity on the hour mark through a delightful 25-yard volley from Sheppard.
Emboldened Galway continued to perform with a high tempo, and Bobby Ryan created a chance for Anto Flood in the 73rd minute, and the diligent frontrunner edged the locals ahead.
The drama continued to unfold with O’Neill bringing Fingal back on terms, and substitute Keith Quinn was dismissed in stoppage time for a foul on Jamie McKenzie.
GALWAY UNITED:Barry Ryan; Conneely, McKenzie, Synott, Meynell; Bobby Ryan, Foley, O'Donnell, Creaney; Flood, Sheppard.
SPORTING FINGAL:Quigley; Browne, Maher, Paisley, O'Brien; James, Finn, Kirby (Dawson, 81); C Byrne (Quinn, 76), O'Neill, Zayed (Crowe, 81).
Referee:D Tomney (Dublin).
