Galway United picked up their first competitive win under manager Shane Keegan, overcoming Mayo League 2-0 in EA Sports Cup action at Eamonn Deacy Park thanks to late goals in either half from David Cawley and Vinny Faherty. In the press huddle foll
Galway United picked up their first competitive win under manager Shane Keegan, overcoming Mayo League 2-0 in EA Sports Cup action at Eamonn Deacy Park thanks to late goals in either half from David Cawley and Vinny Faherty.
In the press huddle following the game, Keegan seemed relieved to record his debut victory with the Tribesmen.
“We needed the win. To be honest if the game had been played a week ago, we would have put out a very different XI,” Keegan commented.
“The two things we were struggling for so far were a team win and a Vinny goal, and regardless of who the opposition were or what the competition was, we’ve managed to achieve both. So, not jumping for joy with the overall performance but the two things we need, we got.”
Faherty’s goal in the 92nd minute marked the end of a lengthy goal drought, but the striker hasn’t had much to feed off so far this campaign.
Indeed, creativity in general has been lacking from an offensive point of view and Keegan wasn’t unaware of that against their Connacht opposition during the week.
“The first half was awful, we said that in the dressing room at half time – it was just so sloppy.
“Still nowhere near as clinical as we should have been in that final third, in terms of that final cross or that final slip-ball through but there was a big improvement in the second half,” he added.
Up next for the Corribsiders is a Premier Division clash against another provincial rival, Sligo Rovers, and the Laois native knows they will need to be on top form if they’re to record their first league win of the season.
“Yes we got the win and we’re happy with that and we’re happy with Vinny’s goal but we couldn’t remotely claim to have been anywhere near our best tonight so we need to do quite a bit of work.”
Mayo League boss Brendan Kenny spoke exclusively with us following the game and he was pleased with his side’s display.
“I’m delighted with the performance. I thought from one to 11, even the players who came on, were outstanding. We’ve only had a few sessions together, that’s the first time they’ve played together.
“From a neutral point of view I didn’t think there was anything between the teams. We were a bit unlucky to go in at half time a goal down.”
Ultimately for Kenny, however, it was a night of fine margins, taking exception with a first-half call that could have swung the tie unexpectedly in his team’s favour when Brendan Lavelle tumbled on the edge of the area under a challenge.
“There was a call there, I personally thought the free kick was inside the box – it was a penalty. These are the fine margins that can change the game,” he concluded.
Trevor Murray
