Godden Delivers Late Winner as Drogheda United Sink Galway
By ArdeePost Reporter
Premier Division: Galway United 0 Drogheda United 1
Drogheda United began their League of Ireland Premier Division campaign with a hard-fought away victory at Eamonn Deacy Park, as Jago Godden’s late strike secured all three points against a spirited Galway United side who will rue a missed penalty.
An hour before kick-off, the travelling Drogheda supporters could be heard confidently singing about winning on the road. Few, however, would have predicted just how tight and dramatic the contest would turn out to be.
Galway show fight amid pre-season doubts
There had been a sense of uncertainty around Galway United coming into the season, but John Caulfield’s side produced a brave, energetic and organised display that deserved at least a share of the spoils.
The opening exchanges were cagey, though Drogheda applied the early pressure. Edwin Agbaje flashed a snapshot just wide, while Thomas Oluwa surged through three defenders before being denied by a superb last-ditch tackle from Wasiri Williams, who was central to much of the early action.
Williams later picked up a yellow card for a heavy challenge and came agonisingly close to scoring when he rattled the crossbar with the goal at his mercy. Jimmy Keohane was unable to capitalise on the rebound as Drogheda survived a nervy spell.
Home side dominate but fail to convert
Galway continued to grow into the game, with Francely Lomboto impressing against his former club by working tirelessly down the channels. After the break, the Tribesmen enjoyed their best period, creating a series of chances without finding the net.
Keohane, Stephen Walsh, Arthur Parker and Lee Devitt all went close as Galway pushed Drogheda deeper, but composure in front of goal proved elusive.
Penalty drama proves decisive
The defining moment arrived in the 64th minute. Keohane was brought down in the penalty area by Andrew Quinn, and referee Oliver Moran pointed to the spot. The stadium held its breath as David Hurley stepped up, but his effort drifted wide of the post, sparing Drogheda a major setback.
That miss proved costly.
Godden strikes to seal Drogheda win
With fresh legs introduced, Drogheda began to regain a foothold in the contest. Warren Davis caused problems with his movement, while Ryan Brennan provided much-needed physical presence up front.
The decisive blow came late on when Brennan showed strength and composure inside the box to hold off his marker and lay the ball into the path of Jago Godden, who thundered a low finish into the corner of the net. The away end erupted as Drogheda claimed a smash-and-grab victory.
A statement start for Drogheda United
It may not have been pretty, but it was effective. Kevin Doherty’s side showed resilience, game management and clinical finishing — qualities that could again serve Drogheda United well this season.
For Galway United, the performance will offer encouragement, but the missed penalty and lack of cutting edge will sting.
Teams
Galway United:
Watts; Parker, Brouder, Williams, Facchineri, Devitt; Keohane (Wolfe 71), Bolger (McCormack 90), Hurley; Lomboto, Walsh (Twardek 86).
Drogheda United:
Dennison; Agbaje, Quinn, Keeley, Burney, Kane; O’Brien, Farrell (Godden 62), Kavanagh (Brennan 66); Oluwa, Doyle (Davis 66).
Referee: Oliver Moran.
