Galway United 1 Finn Harps 0
Vinny Faherty netted his fourth league goal of the season as Galway United eked out a valuable victory at Eamonn Deacy Park.
In form striker Faherty landed the decisive blow on the banks of the Corrib for an improving Galway outfit, who eventually shrugged off Finn Harps’ spirited resistance.
Harps defended smartly throughout a poor first half to frustrate Galway, who did squander a couple of early chances. Faherty just failed to connect with a sweet Ryan Connolly free-kick in the sixth minute, while Richard Brush safely gathered a Kevin Devaney drive.
Ollie Horgan’s visitors’ were solid defensively and the Donegal side came close to nicking a goal in the 34th minute. Ethan Boyle’s cross located Ryan Curran, who drilled over from the edge of the area.
After the restart Harps continued to cause Galway problems, but Tommy Dunne’s side hit the front in the 59th minute. Smashing Galway winger Devaney supplied a precise cross for Faherty, who guided the Tribesmen ahead.
Buoyed up by Faherty’s strike Galway nearly added a second on 67, but Kilian Cantwell headed a Devaney corner narrowly wide. Though Harps battled until the end Faherty had inflicted sufficient damage to maintain Galway’s fine start to the campaign.
Galway United: Winn; C Horgan, Sinnott, Cantwell, Walsh; Shanahan, Sullivan, Connolly, Devaney; Curran (Cunningham, 89), Faherty.
Finn Harps: Brush; McNulty, Mailey, Cowan, Coll; Curran, Harkin, Boyle, McNamee (McHugh, 70), Hanlon (Flatley, 84); Scully (Houston, 70).
Referee: J McKell (Tipperary).
