Alan Murphy began his tenure as manager of Galway United with three points in his side's 4-1 win over Athlone Town at Eamonn Deacy Park. The Tribesmen started the match the much brighter side, creating two great chances in the opening 11 minutes -
Galway United swept aside the challenge of Athlone Town with a 4-1 Danny Furlong-inspired win at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Stephen Kenny caused problems when he cut in from the right flank in possession, jinked his way past a few players, and fired a shot but it was hit with a bit too much ferocity and flashed over the bar.
There was some confusion over the opening strike from the former Wexford Youths striker. Hhe put the ball in the back of the net from close range in the 14th minute after the linesman had his flag up for offside and the celebrations were subdued until referee David Keeler over-ruled his colleague.
Kenny was again getting the crowd going when his cross-cum-shot from the right flank flew over Murphy and cannoned off the crossbar. Furlong, though, was never going to spurn his next opportunity to double the lead. In the 34th minute he was presented with a great opportunity from close range when a long throw-in from the left flank found its way to him and he toe-poked the ball into the back of the net to send the home crowd wild.
Athlone stepped up the tempo following the restart and they fashioned a half chance through the boot of Martin Walsh, but his left-footed volley from outside the box went over the bar.
On the hour mark, Furlong was again sniffing around the box and he really should have scored when Ludden put a peach of a cross on his head, but he couldn't generate the power or the right direction to rattle the back of the net.
Around two minutes later, though, and the Corribsiders had the ball in the back of the net through Ronan Manning after a defensive error from Bashmil Nyakambili from a Furlong fluffed chance but the ball fell to Manning who lashed the ball into the top corner.
United made it four in the 81st minute as Furlong completed a fantastic hat-trick. Athlone will be disappointed to lose so heavily, but Felix Perez's late consolation goal was something to cherish.
