CABINTEELY 0 GALWAY UNITED 1
This turned into a dramatic encounter at Stradbrook as Galway United escaped with the full complement of spoils.
Mikie Rowe's 58th minute goal proved to be the decisive blow as John Caulfield's charges showed real character.
There was a dollop of controversy too when goalkeeper Conor Kearns was red carded for an apparent foul on Kieran Marty Waters.
The visiting players, management, and supporters weren't happy with the decision, but substitute Luke Dennison's first touch as a United player was a save from Keith Dalton's spot kick.
United had the grit and guile to survive the remainder of the game. Early on United had encountered some difficult moments, but they persevered.
Initially United were unable to attain any fluency in a first half that was all about Cabinteely's desire.
Eager and lively the home team went close in the 27th minute when Kieran Marty Waters forced Conor Kearns to make a smart save.
Ben Feeney was also thwarted by Kearns as the interval approached on 39 as Cabinteely posed questions.
After the restart, though, United were much improved. Rowe's goal injected United's cause with momentum with Cabo's Eoin McPhillips sent off for a second bookable offence.
It remained interesting, but Dennison's save ensured United enthusiasts left the capital heartened.
CABINTEELY: Halwax; O'Neill (Casey, 82 ), Blackbyrne, Hudson, McWilliams (Byrne, 55 ); Dalton (C Knight, 90 ), Massey, Labutis, Waters (Molony, 76 ); Feeney; McPhillips.
GALWAY UNITED: Kearns; O'Keeffe, Gorman, Brouder, Murphy; McCormack, Boylan, Hurley (Horgan, 90 ); Rowe (Dennison, 76 ), Waweru (Cunningham, 86 ), Keating.
REFEREE: Eoghan O'Shea.
