Galway United victorious over Bray Wanderers to secure league position
One more game to go before the playoffs beckon.
Injury concerns were the biggest of Galway United’s problems as the Tribesmen secured second place in the First Division with a 1–0 victory courtesy of a Wilson Waweru finish.
United started the first half very strongly, an early David Hurley cross didn’t quite connect with Waweru inside the first 30 seconds — so close to the perfect start — but the team dominated a scruffy first half.
However the half time substitution of Ruairi Keating raised concerns over the wingers’ fitness going into the promotion playoffs.
On the 35th minute, the United player was on the receiving end of a hard tackle on the halfway line that required a check up from the physio.
Keating came back on a few minutes later and even came close to converting a Waweru cross, but that was the last of his action in this game.
Despite the injury concerns, United manager John Caulfield choose to look on the bright side. He highlighted the opportunities given to some fresh faces during these final few games of the league campaign.
“Obviously (Keating) got a heavy clatter just before half time. (Conor) O’Keefe was missing as well, so we made a few changes from last week. Overall, the good thing is lads are coming on,” said Caulfield.
“Shane Doherty came on, did really well. Young Alex (Murphy) came in at right back, an unusual position (for him). Exposing him to this level of football is good for him because he learns quickly that there’s a lot of work to be done, and he’s a smashing player.
“(Joe) Gorman came in instead of Maurice (Nugent). It’s good, and overall you need that competition. Hopefully we can keep everyone fit for the playoffs.”
The second half was played at a slower pace as neither side managed to grab hold of the game.
United had the first real chance of the later stages as a free kick blocked by the wall ended up causing confusion in the box.
Two United players got in each others way which caused the loose ball to fall away from them both — easily United’s best chance of the early parts of the second half.
Conor Kearns was immediately called into action at the other end but he dutifully kept Bray at bay.
Waweru’s match winning finish came in the 83rd minute. A ball over the top from Conor McCormack met Waweru, who rounded the keeper and cooly slotted home to an empty net.
The goal was greeted with a huge roar and the now customary chant of “we are going up!” from the Eamonn Deacy crowd.
Caulfield was effusive in his praise for Waweru’s attitude to get that type of goal, as part of his development into a top striker for the club.
“Delighted for Wilson because we’re trying to work with him all the time, playing on the last man, using his pace and strength,” said Caulfield.
“Once the ball went in over the top you can see he got that split second ahead. That’s what you need to do to be a potent striker, and be a fella that can get goals like that.
“Those are the kind of goals that win you matches and make you a very good striker. If Wilson can keep doing that he’ll be a very good striker.”
The FAI CEO Johnathan Hill was part of that crowd, he shared a long conversation with Caulfield after the game.
It was 25 years ago that Caulfield scored for Cork City at the very first game at Terryland.
It was an almost perfect preparation for Galway United’s playoff push. This may well yet prove a dress rehearsal for a fixture with Bray in those playoffs.
It may have finished 1–0, but the home side had the better chances of the two teams. With better finishing this could’ve been wrapped up going into the break.
Meanwhile it was a relatively quiet day for Kearns in goal, who only had the one significant save to make.
Next up for Galway is a visit to Cork City for the final fixture of the First Division league campaign.
