Bohemians 0

Galway United 1

HAVING come within six minutes of a first win over Shamrock Rovers in Dublin in 30 years just a fortnight earlier, Galway United ended a 13-year wait for a similar outcome against Bohs on Monday evening to climb to fourth in the table.

It was Maurice Nugent who got the goal – one he admitted afterwards that he remembered little of due to feeling unwell and suffering from dizziness – but this win was as much about grit and guts as it was that 19th minute strike.

The visitors had just 10 men on field for the final 40 minutes of action after Karl O’Sullivan’s sending off in the 58th minute, United having to withstand eight minutes of injury time in addition to the regulation 32 left following the winger’s dismissal for two yellow cards.

Yet despite that numerical disadvantage, United looked very comfortable with Brendan Clarke rarely tested, and United’s stand-in captain for the night – Conor McCormack was only fit enough for a place on the bench – more than up to the task when the home side did manage to get a shot away.

It wasn’t a case of Unted hanging on: they were well drilled, incredible disciplined in their shape and application, and still always posed as threat when in possession themselves. The home side could barely have complained had they lost by more.

This is United’s 46th season in the League of Ireland, and never before have they won in Dalymount and Oriel Park in the same season; or in Dalymount Park and the Brandywell; or the Brandywell and Oriel Park. Now they have won in all three in the one campaign.

Despite a recent history spent in the lower tier, there have been good times as well, like the second-placed finish in 1985/86, and the third place in 1993/94. Both of those were under the legendary Tony Mannion, and had as a hallmark an utter refusal to be beaten or bullied, to give an inch without an unmerciful fight.

Pictured: Galway United’s Karl O’Sullivan barring the path of Derry City’s William Patching during Friday’s Premier Division clash at Eamonn Deacy Park. O’Sullivan was sent off after picking up up two yellow cards against Bohemians on Monday, but the Tribesmen still emerged victorious. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.