Dave Cooke grabbed the only goal as League Cup holders Derry City were knocked out of the competition in Terryland Park.

In front of a sparce attendance on a miserable wet afternoon in Terryland, Derry City exited the competition they have won for the last four seasons.

Derry fielded an under-strength team, and United side took maximum advantage with the home side dominating possession.

The only goal of the contest came in the 35th minute after a Jay O'Shea free-kick was blocked and fell into the path of Dave Cooke who drilled a shot at Pat Jennings from close range. The Derry 'keeper made a fine interception but could not prevent the ball cannoning off him into the net.

Galway continued to control proceedings and on 40 minutes Jennings denied Declan Edwards with a superb save from close range.

It was a similar story after the interval with United remaining in the ascendancy due largely to the promptings of O'Shea.

O'Shea smashed a brilliant effort off the woodwork in the 77th minute, as United failed to add to their one goal lead.

There was a late scare for United when Tam McManus forced Barry Ryan into a brilliant one handed save deep into added time.

Galway United: Ryan; Conneely, Guthrie, Breen, Davoren; Cooke (Faherty, 73) McBrien, McGrath (Russell, 70), O'Brien; O'Shea, Edwards (Molloy, 81).

Derry City: Jennings; Devlin (Clarke, 87), McEleney, Sharkey, McClean; Scullion, Higgins, McAuley, Kearney; McManus, Nash (Cusack, 82).

Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).