Galway United pay the penalty as Shels claim deserved win

Galway United 0

By Kevin Horgan at Tolka Park

After the most traumatic week and a half for the players and management of the Galway United senior men’s side, the Tribesmen returned to action last Sunday, for the first time since the passing of former United assistant manager, Ollie Horgan, at the age of 58.

This tie at Tolka Park was previously meant to take place on August 31, however due to the Salthill native's funeral taking place on the same weekend, the game was re-arranged to last weekend.

Despite the defeat, following a late Harry Wood penalty, United deserve a lot of credit for how they acquitted themselves, under extremely difficult circumstances.

On an emotional evening in North Dublin, a minute’s silence was impeccably observed prior to kick-off in memory of the legendary League of Ireland figure. United club captain, Conor McCormack and Shels captain, Mark Coyle – who played under Horgan at Finn Harps – also laid a wreath in memory of the former Republic of Ireland U-18 schools' manager on the centre circle of the pitch before the game.

Shelbourne fans also unfurled a flag in the Riverside Stand paying tribute to a man who was loved by the entire league. Both United and Shels players wore black armbands during the contest.

The home side started the game brighter and dominated much of the ball in the early exchanges, with United keeper, Brendan Clarke, forced into a number of saves early to deny Wood.

Despite defending very well in the opening quarter at Tolka Park, the Tribesmen struggled to create any clear-cut chances.

The hosts, who recently qualified for the Europa Conference League group stages, somehow failed to take the lead in the 30th minute, when Milan Mbeng skipped past Bobby Burns, and his cross fell to Wood, who found Evan Caffrey, but he skied his effort over the bar from close range.

Since Shels last played a game of football prior to Sunday, they found out who their Conference League group-stage opponents will be, which includes Crystal Palace. This win last Sunday against United was a huge win for their quest to qualify for European football again next season.

The visitors’ first real chance of the game came in the 38th minute, when Jeannot Esua’s long clearance fell perfectly for Dara McGuinness. The Roscommon native did well initially to carry the ball into the box, but unfortunately for the Tribesmen he miskicked his effort towards goal.

Pictured: Ed McCarthy, seen here in action against Shamrock Rovers last month, was in the right place to clear a Mipo Odubeko effort off the line on Sunday.