Stephen Walsh Shines with Brace as Galway United Triumphs Over Drogheda United 3-0
Galway United secured a 3-0 victory against Drogheda United at Eamonn Deacy Park, thanks to a double from Stephen Walsh and a late goal by Conor O’Keeffe.
On a cloudy and breezy evening in Galway, the hosts returned to winning ways in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division with a commanding performance. This marked the first time the Tribesmen hosted a Thursday game since 2011, coincidentally also against Drogheda.
In their previous encounter this season, Galway triumphed in a dramatic 3-2 win, with two injury-time goals. This time, the Tribesmen, who had lost their last two matches, started strong.
Just six minutes into the game, Karl O’Sullivan’s precise cross from the right wing found Stephen Walsh, who headed it past Drogheda’s goalkeeper Andrew Wogan, giving Galway an early lead. Despite this setback, Drogheda continued to seek opportunities, with Evan Weir’s dipping free-kick and Luke Heeney’s long-range effort both testing Galway’s Brendan Clarke.
Though clear-cut chances were limited, Walsh remained a constant threat, causing issues for Drogheda’s defense. Near the end of the first half, Walsh nearly doubled his tally, but Wogan managed to deflect his looping shot at the second attempt.
The second half saw Drogheda struggling to challenge John Caulfield’s side effectively. The crucial second goal came in the 61st minute when Walsh reacted quickest to a rebound, securing his position as the club’s joint third all-time scorer and extending Galway’s lead.
Galway capped off their dominant performance with a third goal in the 93rd minute. Substitute Conor O’Keeffe weaved through Drogheda’s defense and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Galway United will face Shelbourne away after a week’s break, while Drogheda United will play Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on the same night.
Galway United:
Clarke; Brouder, Nugent, Walsh (Fitzgerald 90), Hurley (Gaxha 90); O’Sullivan (Lomboto 85), McCormack, McCarthy (O’Keeffe 85), Buckley (Hickey 66), Kazeem; Esua.
Drogheda United:
Wogan; Weir, Quinn (Davis 45), Keaney, Markey; Foley (Cailloce 60), O’Brien (Webster 75), Bawa (Pierrot 23), Brennan, Heeney; Kane.
Referee:
Neil Doyle.
