UCD 0 Galway U 1:KARL SHEPPARD'S first league goal in three months snatched a huge three points for Galway at the UCD Bowl. The win moves Sean Connor's financially-troubled side to within three points of College in their struggle to get out of the relegation play-off zone.
The result was most harsh on UCD, however, as they had much of the ball and created by far the more chances. But poor finishing and stout defending by Galway proved crucial.
With Keith Ward’s direct running and touch causing Galway all sorts of problems, UCD will have been unhappy not to have got more from the game.
Galway’s winner came three minutes into the second half. Stephen Walsh got free down the left to put over a dangerous cross and Sheppard sidefooted home his sixth goal of the season.
Barry Ryan prevented UCD levelling within three minutes when parrying well at the far post from Ward following Chris Mulhall’s low cross. In a grandstand finish, Sheppard might have snatched a second goal on 90 minutes but toed wide when through on goal.
Seconds later, Evan McMillan was inches from levelling as he headed wide from Ward’s cross.
UCD: Barron; Matthews, E McMillan, Boyle, Nangle; Wilson, Creevy (Corry, 59 mins), O’Conor, Mulhall; Ward, Kilduff.
GALWAY UTD: Ryan; Conneely, Sinnott, McKenzie, Meynell; Curran, Foley, O’Donnell, O’Brien; Sheppard, Walsh (King, 64 mins).
Referee: R Rogers (Dublin).
