Galway United 2 - St Patrick's Athletic 1Galway United claimed their first three points of the season thanks to a brace by Patrick Hickey in their victory over St Patrick's Athletic at Eamonn Deacy Park. Both teams came into the encounter on the back of two draws during the opening weekend of the Premier Division season - the Tribesmen fought back to claim a 2-2 draw against Cork City while St Pat's drew 0-0 with Drogheda United at Richmond Park. On a wet evening in the west, it was the home outfit who came out on top in the 91st meeting between the two clubs. Before the game, a minute's applause was observed for John Caulfield's mother, Nora, and former Galway United chairman Joe Hanley following their passing. On the pitch, spectators saw a scintillating first 45 minutes fly by. St Pat's created the first chances in the opening few minutes as Romal Palmer tested the hands of Brendan Clarke, while a clear-cut opportunity fell to Aidan Keena but he was unable to manufacture meaningful contact on his volley. United grew into proceedings with their first significant chance coming the way of Moses Dyer. Following a neat set-up from Stephen Walsh, the New Zealand attacker, capped 11 times by his country, couldn't hit the target with a clear sight of goal. The opener arrived in the 18th minute. Jimmy Keohane laid it off to Patrick Hickey and the man from the USA struck a long-range effort which deflected off defensive duo Luke Turner and Joe Redmond before looping over Joseph Anang into the back of the net. The Tribesmen doubled their lead seven minutes later when the dangerous Hickey once again caused the away outfit's backline bother. Jeannot Esua was the provider as his cross was met powerfully by Hickey who cannoned a header past the helpless Anang. It was end-to-end action in Terryland and after a moment of brilliance by Keena, St Pat's grabbed a lifeline in the 30th minute. The striker brilliantly took in Jake Mulraney's cross before unleashing an unstoppable swivelling volley past Clarke - a strike which could be an early goal-of-the-season contender. As the rain came down on Corribside, Clarke had to be smart to a long-range Brandon Kavanagh effort to keep their one-goal lead intact before the break. The introduction of Tottenham-bound Mason Melia at half time brought energy to the St Pat's attack but the Tribesmen remained resolute with their three-at-the-back formation. Hickey had the first big chance of the second period when his header was saved by Anang, while at the other end, ex-Pat's shot-stopper Clarke produced an outstanding palm over the crossbar to deny Redmond from close range. The away team pushed for a leveller but United continued to hold firm - in particular Esua who put in a top-notch last-ditch challenge to stop a certain goal from Melia. Caulfield's side demonstrated defensive determination until the final whistle to earn their first three points of the league campaign and send their fans home happy. © rte.ie
