Substitutes Ryan Brennan and Jago Godden combined in additional time to steal three points on opening day
Galway United 0
Drogheda United 1
In seasons gone by, both sides have received praise for the defensive side of their game rather than their attacking output, and a cagey opening at Eamonn Deacy Park showed why those reputations had been earned.
The first chance of the evening fell to the visitors. Brandon Kavanagh, from just inside the Galway United half, delivered a cross that The Tribesmen failed to clear. The ball fell kindly to Edwin Agbaje, but his effort flew high and wide.
Galway should have taken the lead just before the half-hour mark. A dangerous cross into the Drogheda box was met by Francely Lomboto, whose header crashed off the crossbar. The rebound fell to Jimmy Keohane, but his close-range effort was dragged wide of the far post.
Stephen Walsh went close shortly after, finding himself in space 12 yards from goal, but his effort lacked conviction and was comfortably saved by Luke Dennison.
John Caulfield’s side looked the more threatening after the break. Walsh again got on the end of a cross but failed to test the American shot-stopper.
Lee Devitt impressed on his Premier Division debut. The former Treaty United midfielder drove a low cross into the area that found Keohane, but once again the Galway captain failed to capitalise.
Keohane was again involved moments later, but this time was prevented from getting his shot away. Andrew Quinn lunged in, getting the man instead of the ball, and referee Oliver Moran immediately pointed to the spot.
David Hurley stepped up confidently, but his effort towards the bottom-left corner rolled wide, much to the disbelief of the Galway faithful.
David Hurley photographed by @Galwaylocals
Drogheda struggled to gain momentum throughout the second half. Their best opportunity came from a well-placed Ethan O’Brien cross that found Warren Davis, though his header caused Evan Watts little trouble.
With his final touch of the night, Stephen Walsh flicked the ball into the path of Arthur Parker. The full-back struck the ball with power, but a deflection off O’Brien sent it over the bar.
Additional time began with a Drogheda throw-in that somehow worked its way to Ryan Brennan inside the six-yard box. The substitute did well to hold off his marker before laying the ball into the path of Jago Godden, who smashed home the winner into the bottom-right corner.
Galway pushed for an equaliser in the dying moments but were left to rue their missed chances. Drogheda were second best for much of the contest, but proved clinical when it mattered most.
Galway travel to Richmond Park to face St Patrick’s Athletic next week, while Drogheda United host Waterford.
Man of the Match: Thomas Oluwa was a surprise inclusion in the Drogheda starting XI but caused problems for the Galway defence throughout. His pace and physicality proved difficult to handle and he will have a strong case to start again on matchday two.
Galway United (4-2-3-1): Evan Watts; Wasiri Williams, Killian Brouder, Gianfranco Faccherini, Arthur Parker, Aaron Bolger, Jimmy Keohane, Lee Devitt, David Hurley, Francely Lomboto, Stephen Walsh Subs: Matty Wolfe for Jimmy Keohane (71′) Kristopher Twaderk for Stephen Walsh (86′), Conor McCormack for Aaron Bolger (90′)
Drogheda United (3-4-3): Luke Dennison; Edwin Agbaje, Leo Burney, Conor Keeley, Andrew Quinn, Conor Kane, Ethan O’Brien, Shane Farell, Brandon Kavanagh, Thomas Oluwa, Mark Doyle Subs: Jago Godden for Shane Farell (62′), Ryan Brennan for Brandon Kavanagh, Warren Davis for Mark Doyle (both 66′),
Referee: Oliver Moran
Attendance: 3027