Galway United 1 Cobh Ramblers 0
Killian Brouder delivered the decisive blow by scoring in the 67th minute as Galway United eked out a vital victory at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Cobh Ramblers were spirited throughout a scrappy encounter, but United did enough to earn the full complement of spoils.
That was chiefly due to Brouder's contribution as the Newcastlewest native struck in the 67th minute.
David Hurley's corner kick found substitute Stephen Walsh, who headed the ball in the direction of Brouder.
The United centre half guided the ball over the line as United hit the front.
Four minutes later Brouder had to be alert to make a splendid last ditch challenge to deny Cobh's Beineon O'Brien-Whitmarsh.
United had went close twice in the first half with Conor McCormack and Wilson Waweru forcing decent saves from Andy O'Donoghue.
It was similarly tight after the restart, but Brouder provided the goal that earned United a crucial win.
John Caulfield's team host Wexford FC on Saturday April 9 as vital matches continue to arrive thick and fast.
Galway United: Kearns; O’Keeffe, Portilla, Brouder, Murphy (Adeyemo, 90 ); McCarthy (Hemmings, 83 ), McCormack, Hurley, Rowe (Lyons, 90 ); Dimas (Walsh, 60 ), Waweru (Boylan, 83 ).
Cobh Ramblers: O’Donoghue; Kavanagh, Mbayo (O’Riordan, 80 ), Frahill, Walsh (Kargbo, 80 ); McGrath (Hegarty, 80 ), Holland (Abbott, 89 ), Larkin, Drinan; O’Connell, O’Brien Whitmarsh.
Referee: Alan Patchell.
