Bohemians maintained their European push with a controversial Airtricity Premier League win at Terryland Park.

Christy Fagan's second half double decorated Bohemians seventh victory in 11 matches as Pat Fenlon's charges look intent on making a late push for European football.

Despite being eager to impress early on Galway were caught out in the ninth minute when referee Rob Rogers awarded Bohemians a free-kick for an off the ball foul by Yob Son on Christy Fagan.

Killian Brennan converted the 30-yard set-piece with a delightful left-footed strike to nudge the visitors ahead.

Galway, though, were gutsy and came within a whisker of equalising in the 17th minute as Barry Murphy made a wonder save to deny a splendid Paul Sinnott effort from the edge of the area.

Chances were arriving at both ends and Galway were lucky to survive a scare on 22 as Fagan was thwarted by a brave Winn stop.

The remainder of the opening period was littered with stoppages as Rogers incensed the home supporters, who believed their team was being heavily punished for simply making committed challenges.

There was no shortage of industry in Galway's football, but despite the passion only a hopeful Alan Murphy attempt was summoned during the second quarter.

After the restart Galway continued to be irked by the officials and the Tribesmen were reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute.

Stephen Walsh was red carded for picking up a second caution when standing in front of a Bohemians free-kick.

The Dubliners then pounced for another goal in the 57th minute when Son fouled Fagan in the area and the striker confidently rolled the resultant spot kick home.

Three minutes from time Fagan clipped a third following a mazy run by substitute Anto Flood as Bohemians finished with a flourish.

Galway United: Conor Winn; Paul Sinnott, Laurence Gaughan, Yob Son, Eduardo (Eric Browne, 82); Oscar Sibanda, Gary Kelly, Bobby Ryan (Sean Kelly, 70), Stephen Walsh; Alan Murphy,
Ronan Caldwell (Mikey Gilmore, 62).

Subs not used: John Egan, Rory Gartlan, Willie Enbule, Jin Gu Kim.

Bohemians: Barry Murphy; Ger O'Brien, Liam Burns (Ollie Cahill, 35), Aidan Price, Mark Rossiter; Keith Buckley (Anto Flood, 59), Stephen Hurley, Glen Cronin, Killian Brennan (Robbie Bayly, 73); Stephen Traynor, Christy Fagan.

Subs not used: Aidan Downes, Lee Dixon, Kevin Feely, Craig Sexton.

Referee: Rob Rogers (Dublin).