Galway United marked a momentous occasion in Pearse Stadium with a 2-1 victory over Derry City thanks to two-goal hero Stephen Walsh.
History was made in a sunlit Salthill this evening as Galway United hosted their first-ever competitive encounter on the surface of Pearse Stadium.
Due to Eamonn Deacy Park undergoing pitch renovation works, the Tribesmen are scheduled to play four fixtures at the renowned Galway GAA venue during June and July.
Derry City travelled west to mark the first match of the ‘Salthill Summer Series’ and would end up going home empty-handed following a stellar display from the home side.
The first opportunity of the game fell at the feet of United’s Lee Devitt, who cannoned a volley off the upright, before, at the other end of the pitch, the Clare native had to be sharp to clear a Brandon Fleming effort off the goal line.
From the get-go, John Caulfield’s outfit were disciplined in limiting Derry’s space in attack while, in return, they were rewarded with openings on the counter.
Jimmy Keohane, who was slotting in at right wing back, forced Eddie Beach into a close-range save, while Stephen Walsh was unable to generate enough power on a strike when he had a clear sight of goal.
The evergreen striker continued to manufacture chances against the opposition backline, and Walsh, making his 392nd appearance for the club, hit the net in the 24th minute.
Ed McCarthy was the provider as his teasing delivery landed on the head of Walsh, who made no mistake from close range to bag the club’s first-ever goal at the Salthill venue.
Walsh – the game’s most influential player – could have doubled the Tribesmen’s goal tally before the break with a free header, as the Candystripes had few answers in finding a way back into the game.
The second half saw United continue where they left off when fan favourite Walsh scored his second in the 49th minute. David Hurley dinked a delicate ball over the top, and Walsh dispatched a clinical volley beyond Beach to the delight of the buoyant home support.
City searched for a lifeline as time ticked by, as Fleming’s cross flashed by the head of Michael Duffy with the goal gaping, while James Olayinka and Kevin Santos had efforts that stung the palms of Evan Watts.
Following an adjudged handball in the United box, Derry did find a goal through a Michael Duffy penalty in the 89th minute, but it would be too little too late for Tiernan Lynch’s team as the Tribesmen prevailed.
Galway United: Watts; Brouder, Facchineri, McCormack, Devitt, Keohane; Wolfe (Williams 82), Bolger (Thiam 90), McCarthy, Hurley (Piesold 58); Walsh.
Derry City: Beach; Fleming, Barr, P. McClean, Dummigan; O’Reilly, Olayinka, Markey (J. McClean 56); Duffy, Santos, Clarke (Boyce 46).
Referee: Daryl Carolan.
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