St Patrick's Athletic 1 - Galway United 0They left it late but St Pat's Athletic snatched all three points against Galway United when Kian Leavy fired to the back of the net in the 90th minute to give Stephen Kenny's side back-to-back league wins. Galway had set out their stall to frustrate St Pat's, who had the lions share of possession, but who failed time and time again to break down a stubborn visiting defence in their rearranged game, with the original fixture called off due to flooding. Tonight's encounter will not live long in the memory but the home support went home the happier as with the clock ticking into the last minute, Max Mata set up John McClelland who in turn picked out Leavy, whose precise finish gave the hosts all three points Having beaten Dundalk so comprehensively on Friday for their first win of the new campaign, Pat's were hoping to build on that victory with another win this time against against the Tribesmen who hadn't won in Inchicore since a 2017 FAI Cup win. But Galway proved to be a tougher nut to crack than the Lilywhites and their massed defence refused to yield to a home side that couldn't break through the United stubborn barrier despite having almost all of the ball. That was until Leavy's last-gasp winner In contrast to two weeks ago, the weather conditions were perfect for football and before the game Pat's manger Stephen Kenny made enforced change from Friday with winger Zak Elbouzedi out injured and Jason McClelland taking his place Galway themselves made a couple of changes from the win over Sligo three days ago, Francely Lomboto and Wasiri Williams preferred to Aaron Bolger and Ed McCarthy. Barry Beggley came close to opening the scoring early on as his whipped free-kick from the right-hand side of the area just missed the far post. But it was a frustrating half for the home side against a packed Galway side whose manager John Caulfield changed his formation in the opening half, withdrawing striker Stephen Walsh just after the half hour and replacing him with Bolger, the former St Pats player, who sat in front of the visitors back five. And on 37 minutes Galway almost hit the front with full back Arthur Parker seeing his deflected shot deflected out for a corner. But it was a dull first 45 minutes all round, devoid of any real chances and Galway clearly the happier side to take it scoreless to the break. Two minutes into the second period and a nice one-two between Romal Palmer and Ryan Edmondson in the visitors area led to the latter striking for goal only to be denied by a smart save at his near post by Galway keeper Evan Watts. Edmondson, former Leeds and Carlisle striker, searching for his first Pat's goal since his January signing from the Australian side Central Coast Mariners, was withdrawn just past the hour mark and replaced upfront by Aidan Keena. Despite Keena's introduction as well as New Zealander Max Mata, who came on as a 75th minute substitution for his first action since his signing for the Inchicore club last December, the home side's frustration continued as Galway's defence held firm. Mata had a late chance but again Pat's were frustrated as Watts was sharp to save low down at his near post. And seemed that the game would peter out to a scoreless conclusion until Leavy's late goal won it for the Saints. © rte.ie
