Molloy pounces late as SD Galway finally secure first win of the season

Mervue United 1SD Galway 2

Jason Byrne

Good things come to those who wait, and this was certainly the case for SD Galway at Fahy’s Field on Friday night – as they finally secured their first win of the season, and what made it sweeter was that it was against local rivals Mervue United.

Johnny Glynn’s men will be cursing their lack of conviction in front of goal particularly in the first half – as SD Galway battled hard and Timmy Molloy’s sweet strike a minute from time saw them turn the game on its head and seal the most dramatic of victories.

United dominated the opening period in terms of possession, but their stopper Ronan Forde was called into action early on, saving Tommy Bradshaw’s rasping free-kick to deny his old club.

Mervue sought an early lead but were met with a battling defence, led by skipper Paddy Quinlan who produced a titanic performance after just returning from injury. Alan Murphy was unplayable for Mervue in the cup clash between these sides last month, but they sorely missed their hitman on Friday who was sidelined through injury.

Etanda Nkololo, who looked bright on the right flank for the home side, played in Alex Lee in the 14th minute, and he should have pulled the trigger immediately but opted for a touch and the ball trickled wide.

Two minutes later Nkololo had a go himself from the edge of the box with a stern drive but it swerved well wide of the target. Just a minute later it was Jason Molloy’s turn to have a go and after rounding Willie Enubele, his low shot bounced off the post and wide.

Five minutes later, Mervue could have had a penalty when Enubele slid in to block an Nkololo cross and the ball bounced off his arm, but claims were waved away by referee Keith Callinan, and it would have been harsh. it should be said the Cork official had a fine performance himself letting the game flow.

On the half hour mark, Jason Molloy’s floating free met the head of Pat Hoban who was completely unmarked in the box, and he should have done better as once again the ball flashed wide.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.