Galway United 0-0 Sligo Rovers


The first Connacht derby of the 2009 season ended in stalemate as United failed to break down Sligo's stubborn defence.

United played against ten men for the last 22 minutes of the game after Alan Kelly gave a straight red to Danny Ventre after the Sligo defender pulled back Vinny Faherty when through on goal.

United themselves were reduced to ten men after Declan Edwards received two yellow cards late on after coming on as sub. His red card saw him leave the game on 90 minutes.

With Jay O'Shea on Republic of Ireland Under-21 duty, Ian Foster changed his lineup for the first time this season and recent signing Shane Fitzgerald took the place of United's U21 International.

Rovers were missing ex-united player Rafael Cretaro through suspension while Romauld Boco was on international duty with Benin.

In a bright start, Fitzgerald showed the United fans some of things to come with his pace after he was released by Cian McBrien's clever pass on the right.

However, Sligo's Gavin Peers was on hand to cut the danger out from Fitzgerald's cross when under pressure from Vinny Faherty.

Michael McGrath went close on 18 minutes after his powerful low shot nearly beat  Richard Brush, but the ball spun over the bar after the 'keeper got a block on the shot.

Midway through the half Sligo enjoyed a spell of pressure, but they failed to prise open a Galway defence that was well marshalled again by Shane Guthrie and Garry Breen.

Sligo were reduced to 10 men in the 68th minute following Ventre's sending-off for a challenge on Faherty. Faherty chased a thoughball, he got to the ball before Brush and as he rounded the 'keeper, Ventre was adjudged to have hauled him back.

United pressed forward and with the aid of a strong wind went for the winner. Declan Edwards was brought on as a second striker in an effort to get the breakthrough.

McBrien went close with a low driven free-kick that wasn't too far away and substitute Dave Cooke was denied by a superb Brush save as United pressed.

Breen got in on the act and he too went close with a well driven 25 yard shot that dipped over the bar.

In stoppage time, Edwards saw red for a second caution following a foul on Richie Ryan. Earlier the player was booked by Kelly for alledgely diving.

Sligo held out for the point in the three minutes of added time, while United remain unbeaten in the League.

Galway United: Ryan; Conneely (Edwards, 71), Breen, Guthrie, Davoren; Fitzgerald (Sinnott, 53), McBrien, Kelly, McGrath (Cooke, 75), O'Brien; Faherty.

Sligo Rovers: Brush; Keane, Peers, Ventre, Holmes; Cash, O'Grady, Ryan, Morrisson (Torpey, 86); Doherty (McTiernan, 65), Parkhouse (Feeney, 65).

Referee: A Kelly (Cork).