And while the Tribesmen tested the patience of their followers against the Candystripes at times with their defending, they delivered the goods in the second half to pick up an important victory.
Galway’s David Hurley celebrates after opening the scoring against Derry City. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
League of Ireland Review Show – Friday, April 3
In this physical affair at Terryland, the away side started brightly, and they almost took the lead inside the opening minute, but Brandon Fleming’s effort went narrowly wide.
To their credit, the 2023 First Division champions reacted well, and they took the lead in the 17th minute, when Hurley unleashed an incredible right-footed volley to the back of the City net from well outside the penalty box. The Cork native’s initial effort from a free kick was blocked by the Derry defence.
The contest was evenly balanced for the remainder of the half, with former United player Rob Slevin hitting the post for Derry with a header just before the half-time whistle.
Stephen Walsh of Galway United in action against Derry City’s Alex Bannon at Eamonn Deacy Park in Galway. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
In the 63rd minute, the away side equalised. James Clarke weaved his way through the hosts’ defence, before he finished past Evan Watts in the Galway goal.
However, with just under 10 minutes remaining, the Tribesmen struck the all-important winner. The Ulster men lost the ball in the Galway half before Matthew Wolfe slipped in fellow substitute Pierrot to give Galway the lead.
The 2024 FAI Cup finalists pushed for an equaliser late on, but it was Caulfield’s side who deservedly held on for all three points.
It was clear that the absence of Michael Duffy and James McClean affected the visitors, as they lacked a cutting edge in attack.
Galway United: Evan Watts; Arthur Parker (Wasiri Williams 85), Killian Brouder, Lee Devitt, Gianfranco Facchineri; Aaron Bolger, Connor Barratt (Matthew Wolfe 63), David Hurley, Jimmy Keohane (Ed McCarthy 63), Kris Twardek (Francely Lomboto 79); Stephen Walsh (Frantz Pierrot 79).
Derry City: Edward Beach; Jamie Stott, Rob Slevin, Alex Bannon; Barry Cotter (Conor Barr 82), Adam O’Reilly, Darragh Markey (Carl Winchester 58), James Clarke, Brandon Fleming, James Olayinka; Dipo Akinyemi (Joshua Thomas 82).
Ref: N Doyle