Edward McCarthy's first-half strike earned Galway United a 1-0 victory over SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division leaders Shelbourne at a sun-drenched Eamonn Deacy Park.
It was Galway United who shone on Corribside to pick up a valuable three points against the table-toppers.
With no away supporters in attendance, there was a lack of reaction to Shelbourne’s couple of half chances in the first 20 minutes. Liam Burt tested Brendan Clarke early on before the United shot-stopper had to be smart down low to keep out Sean Boyd’s header.
The Tribesmen’s press was superb throughout and it was a Vincent Borden interception that led to the opening goal in the 24th minute.
Stephen Walsh, David Hurley and Aodh Dervin linked up down the right before Dervin delivered a delightful driven ball into the box which Edward McCarthy pounced on to finish into an empty net.
John Caulfield’s side found their feet following McCarthy’s opener and were unlucky not to be two in front before the break.
Ex-Shels man Dervin, who has been one of Galway’s in-form players since the start of the season, produced a rasping shot destined for the top corner only for the inside of the post to save Conor Kearns from conceding for a second time.
Damien Duff’s team continued to struggle to break down a resolute United backline as the home outfit held firm after the interval.
In a second half that was scarce of opportunities, Shelbourne substitute Will Jarvis was denied by Clarke from a tight angle while opposition striker Walsh was unable to truly test Kearns with a headed effort.
Shels searched for an equaliser as time ticked by, going closest through a long-range strike on target from Tyreke Wilson, but they were unable to unearth the quality in the attacking third of the pitch.
As tempers boiled over in added time, United manager John Caulfield was giving marching orders by Damien McGraith before the full-time whistle sounded.
Following tonight’s result, Shelbourne are now winless in their last four fixtures.
Galway United travel to Sligo Rovers in high spirits on Monday while Shelbourne host reigning champions Shamrock Rovers.
Galway United: Clarke; O’Keeffe, Slevin, Brouder, Walsh (Aouachria 84); Dervin (O’Sullivan 74), Hurley (Gaxha 90), Borden, McCormack, McCarthy (Hickey 90); Kazeem.
Shelbourne: Kearns; Gannon (Ledwidge 57), Wilson, Lunney, Boyd (Ward 84); O’Sullivan (Williams 72), Farrell (Smith 57), Molloy, Caffrey (Jarvis 57), Barrett; Burt.
Referee: Damien McGraith.
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