Galway United kept their European ambitions alive thanks to a 1-0 victory over league leaders Shelbourne in Eamonn Deacy Park.
Table-toppers Shelbourne arrived on Corribside with a four-point gap on Derry City, while Galway United sat three points adrift of third-place Shamrock Rovers following a defeat to the reigning top-flight champions on Monday.
FULL MATCH DETAILS
As the nightfall descended on a pristine Eamonn Deacy Park surface, it was the Tribesmen who put in a top-notch performance to pick up a valuable three points.
Following a lively start to proceedings, United took an early lead in the second minute thanks to a moment of class from right winger Jimmy Keohane.
After a fine flick-on from Patrick Hickey, who was an outlet throughout, Stephen Walsh teed up Keohane who unleashed a stunning strike past a helpless Conor Kearns to set an early tone for an energetic encounter.
The opener spurred on a confident United team and John Caulfield's side could have found themselves two to the good five minutes later.
Goalscorer Keohane almost became provider this time around as he demonstrated quality in the attacking third to supply Edward McCarthy with a clear-cut chance, but his powerful effort cannoned off the crossbar to the relief of a busy Shelbourne backline.
Damien Duff’s outfit eventually found their feet in the contest with their first opportunity arriving midway through the first half. John Martin was the quickest to react to a near post Ali Coote corner but his glanced header went just wide of the target.
Still, the Tribesmen looked effective in their press and direct attacking play. On the half hour mark Kearns had to be sharp to keep out a low effort from Hickey before the ex-Galway shot-stopper quickly reacted to palm away McCarthy’s follow-up.
Following a frantic opening 45, the second period saw the Tribesmen find the first two chances of the half.
A few minutes after the resumption, the dynamic Keohane, who had his best game in maroon since joining the club, got on the end of a Greg Cunningham corner but his free header sailed over the crossbar.
Twenty minutes later, the ex-Rochdale man did brilliantly once again, this time to fashion a cross, which fell to Walsh who dragged a glorious opening wide of the target.
As the clock ticked by, Caulfield’s team were content to play on the counter-attack as a frustrated Shelbourne were unable to manufacture any meaningful opportunities against a resolute home defence.
One late half chance fell to Shels substitute Sean Boyd but the Tribesmen deservingly held on to secure the victory on the same scoreline when the two sides met in Galway last April.
Galway United: Clarke; Brouder, Walsh (O’Sullivan 87), Cunnigham, Hickey; Borden (Hurley 69), Keohane, Horgan (Slevin 81), McCormack, McCarthy (Burns 69); Buckley.
Shelbourne: Kearns; Gannon, Wilson (Smith 77), Griffin (Ledwidge 61), Coyle (Wood 61); Martin, Coote (Burt 67), Caffrey, Barrett, O’Brien (Boyd 67); Tulloch.
Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan.
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