Galway United 0
Bohemians 2
A wind that howled furiously, rain pelting from the sky. Surely weather to suit the underdogs? Not when Bohemians are around. Once the Gypsies take a lead they seldom suffer, and that is precisely what happened at Terryland Park on Tuesday night.
Galway United were committed, but two defensive lapses in concentration were ruthlessly punished, and Bohs’ journey back to the pale saw them reflect on a satisfactory success.
Many factors are required to enjoy a high level of League of Ireland productivity. In the contemporary game being safe and solid at the back is a necessity, and while Galway's seasonal objectives may be moderate compared to the champions, interesting similarities can be drawn.
Ian Foster's training ground toil has been transparent because Galway have been rugged and resourceful up to now. That type of durability earned Bohemians silverware in 2008, and while Galway's squad mightn't be sprinkled with as much craft there has been a commendable pluck to the manner in which a five-match unbeaten run was carved out.
So when the defensive errors materialised it was unfortunate that Bohemians took maximum advantage. Galway had battled well in the tricky conditions early on, but 31 minutes in it scarcely mattered as Bohemians hit the front when Garry Breen and Shane Guthrie both misjudged a Brian Shelley clearance. Jason Byrne reacted sharply, gathering possession before planting an immaculate finish beyond Barry Ryan.
Galway came within a whisker of levelling moments later, but Brian Murphy reaffirmed the belief that Bohs possess the league’s most able custodian with a splendid save to thwart Derek O’Brien.
Seconds before the interval Bohs put some flesh on their advantage when Byrne expertly nodded a Paul Keegan corner home in a packed area. Galway’s set piece prowess had been a feature of their smashing start to the campaign, but this was a costly blip.
Pat Fenlon’s charges were polished and professional after the restart, never permitting Galway to even take a glimpse at Murphy’s posts. Substitutions were made, tactics were altered, but Bohemians weren’t going to be denied, and Galway suffered a first competitive defeat in 2009.
Galway United: Ryan; Conneely (Cooke, 59 ), Breen, Guthrie, Davoren; O’Shea, McBrien (Edwards, 63 ), Kelly, McGrath, O’Brien; Faherty (Murphy, 83 ).
Bohemians: B Murphy; Shelley, Heary, McGuinness, Rossiter; Brennan, Cronin, Keegan, Carey (S Byrne, 85 ); J Byrne, Crowe (Ndo, 75 ).
Referee: M Gough (Limerick ).
