Galway United leave it late to claim a point against Shelbourne
An injury time strike from Jimmy Keohane, earned a share of the spoils for Galway United after an entertaining affair with Shelbourne at Eamonn Deacy Park last Friday night.
A James Norris rebounded effort following a Daniel Kelly penalty had given Shels the lead only minutes earlier. That goal was a controversial one, with Galway claiming Norris handled the ball into the net.
This result sees John Caulfield’s side go eight games unbeaten in all competitions, and it is hard to see the 2023 First Division champions ending up in a dogfight to avoid automatic relegation.
It was an emotional night for the westerners as this game took place on the first anniversary of their former assistant manager, Ollie Horgan. The Tribesmen marked the occasion by wearing their third shirt, which is a tribute to the former Donegal school teacher.
This was a game of few chances for the first 75 minutes, with neither side really dominating possession. Credit must go to both sets of players though, who battled well throughout. Shelbourne were without the services of manager, John Russell on Friday due to suspension.
The first real attack of the game, nearly saw the visitors take the lead nine minutes in, but Sean Boyd saw his looping effort cleared off the line by Leigh Kavanagh. One of the shining lights for Galway this season, has been the performances of midfielder, Aaron Bolger, and once again on Friday night, the Dubliner dictated matters in the middle of the park.
Shels were slow in possession at times in Terryland, and they failed to really pierce through the home side’s defence. It has been an inconsistent season for the reds, which has seen them lose to Kerry on penalties in the Men’s FAI Cup, but draw with Ajax at home in the Europa Conference League qualifiers.
Earlier this season they parted company with former manager, Joey O’Brien, with Galway native, Russell taking over.In the final 15 minutes of the opening half, the Tolka Park outfit started to turn the screw, but to their credit United defended well.
Kerr McInroy was a standout performer for the visitors on Friday, in a very impressive personal display.
It was the hosts who began the second period on the front foot, but they failed to really test Eddie Beach in the Shels goal during that purple patch. One interesting omission from the Russell’s team in recent weeks has been Paddy Barrett, and in recent weeks it has appeared they have missed his leadership.
Prior to their goal, Shels’ best chance of the contest came with just under 30 minutes remaining, but Daniel Kelly could only find the side netting, despite an exquisite delivery by Sean Gannon. This was followed by another big chance for Kelly minutes later, after he weaved his way through the home side’s defence. However, he fired his effort over the crossbar.
With 10 minutes remaining the visitors were awarded a penalty following a foul in the United penalty area. Kelly took the resulting penalty, but his effort was saved by Hugo da Cunha, his rebound was also saved, but Norris bundled the ball into the net.
Galway were furious with the awarding of the penalty, with backroom staff member, Mark Herrick receiving his marching orders for his protests.
There was further anger for United when the ball eventually found the back of the net. The home side felt Norris was in an offside position when he finished the ball to the net after the ball hit Kelly. Caulfield’s crew also felt the goalscorer could’ve possibly handled the ball to the net.
Galway didn’t lie down though and in the 5th minute of additional time, they levelled matters. There was pinball on the edge of the Shels penalty box, before Keohane unleashed a bullet to the bottom corner of the goal at the Dyke Road end, to the delight of the home support.
It was no more than what the hosts deserved, as they more than matched their north Dublin opponents.Following the weekends results, United remain in 7th place but they now sit six points above the relegation play-off position.
The Terryland outfit will head into next Friday’s Men’s FAI Cup last eight clash against Drogheda United full of confidence, following their recent form. The form in recent weeks of Aaron Bolger and Hugo da Cunha amongst others has been encouraging and you would have to be a brave man to bet against Galway in the huge cup clash.
GALWAY UNITED: Cunha; O’Connor, Kavanagh (Kazeem 84), Williams; Devitt (Barratt 88), McCarthy (Connolly 88), Bolger, Hurley, Keohane; Twardek (Lomboto 77), Walsh (Pierrot 84).
SHELBOURNE: Beach; Gannon, Ledwidge, Mbeng (Odubeko 70), Casey; Norris, Lunney; McInroy, Caffrey, Kelly (Ring 90); Boyd (Moore 59).
Referee: Aaron O’Dowd