GALWAY UNITED 3 SHELBOURNE 1
This was one of those encouraging evenings when Galway United summoned a crucial victory on home turf at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Shelbourne suffered a first defeat of the SSE Airtricity League season as United were primed for a battle from the outset.
Conor O'Keeffe's right wing cross enabled Shane Doherty to score in the 11th minute. That injected United's cause with hope and John Caulfield's side remained defiant.
Stephen Walsh's drive and desire was evident throughout, while in the centre of the park skipper Conor McCormack, Gary Boylan, and David Hurley dovetailed nicely.
After the restart United added a second when Killian Brouder struck his third goal in as many matches.
Late on United extended their lead when substitute Ruairi Keating mined a goal following shrewd work by Hurley.
In stoppage time Shels narrowed the gap courtesy of a crisp Brian McManus effort, but United prevailed. Caulfield's charges are now seven points behind with eight games remaining.
GALWAY UNITED: Conor Kearns; Conor O’Keeffe, Maurice Nugent, Killian Brouder, Stephen Walsh; Conor McCormack, Gary Boylan, David Hurley; Mikie Rowe (Padraic Cunningham, 84 ), Wilson Waweru (Ruairi Keating, 65 ), Shane Doherty (Mikey Place, 84 ).
SHELBOURNE: Brendan Clarke; John Ross Wilson, Maxim Kouogun, Ally Gilchrist, Kevin O’Connor; Yassine En Neyah (Eric Molloy, 62 ) , Brian McManus, Shane Farrell, JJ Lunney (Georgie Poynton, 22 ), Dayle Rooney; Ryan Brennan.
REFEREE: Alan Patchell.
