SOCCER: Galway United 0, St Patrick's Athletic 2: TWO TEAMS moving rapidly in opposite directions collided at Terryland Park last night and the outcome didn't surprise as St Patrick's Athletic stretched their unbeaten league run to 13 matches.
Galway United, the current crisis club in the League of Ireland, have lost 14 on the spin in all competitions and the signs from this contest suggest that wretched run will continue.
From the first whistle Pat’s were sharp, Galway sluggish and only seven minutes had elapsed when Danny North nudged the visitors ahead.
North’s initial shot was saved by Greg Fleming, but the pacy striker reacted smartly to slam the rebound home ensuring Galway were under duress from then on.
The remainder of the opening period was lit up by the splendid midfield promptings of Pat’s skipper Stephen Bradley.
Evan McMillan, Anto Murphy, and Derek Doyle all could have extended Pat’s advantage before the break as Galway were fortunate to only depart one goal behind.
Galway improved slightly after the restart, but when Steve Feeney was dismissed on 69 minutes for a second yellow card following a challenge on substitute Paul Crowley, the visitors were back in control.
Three minutes later Bradley’s corner caused panic in the Galway area and Evan McMillan’s header rattled the locals’ net.
Galway battled defiantly until the final whistle, but St Pat’s were never seriously troubled as they maintained their title push.
GALWAY UNITED:Fleming; Eduardo, Preston Kelly, Sinnott, G Kelly; Moore, Ryan (Gavin, 72), Curran, Gilmore; Feeney, Caldwell.
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC:Rogers; Harney (Daly, 72), E McMillan, Shortall, Carroll; Murphy, McFaul (Crowley, 66), Bradley, Doyle; Kavanagh, North (D McMillan, 78).
Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).
Attendance:614
