Galway United 3

Waterford 1

There were no signs of a cup semi-final hangover for Galway United on Tuesday night as they easily brushed aside the frankly pathetic challenge of Waterford to edge ever closer to the magical 90-point mark in the table.

No team has ever hit that figure in the league before, but United need just two more points from their last two games to hit that bingo number after this routine win over a Waterford side whose late season form will be a cause of concern down Suir-side, with this being their third defeat in six games.

This was a game that was there for them to the taking: a prolonged rest compared to United, who had to bounce back mentally and physically from the stresses and strain of the FAI Cup loss to Bohs on Saturday.

United had nothing really to play for, whereas the visitors were looking to build some form for the play-offs, and would surely be chomping at the bit at the prospect of ending United’s 100% home record in the league.

If hands were placed on hearts, the expectation was that the visitors would produce a game-winning performance. How wrong we were – they were appalling on the night, as United strolled to a win that was far more comfortable than the final scoreline suggests.

It was a dirty aul night, a swirling blanket of pure West of Ireland damp adding to a gloomy mood three nights after the side’s FAI Cup exit, with United’s starting XI showing three changes from that defeat to Bohs.

Rob Slevin, who started on the bench on Saturday, was back in the heart of defence for this meaningless game in terms of league jostling; while Evan O’Connor and Conor O’Keeffe came in at for the two full-back positions.

Pictured: Galway United’s Ed McCarthy, seen here in action against Keith Buckley of Bohemians on Saturday, scored twice in the win over Waterford on Tuesday night. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.