A goal from the penalty spot gave Galway United a 1-0 victory over Monaghan United at Century Homes Park last night.
The incident which decided the game came just before the hour. Galway's David O'Dowd went racing in on goal and was brought down by Mons keeper Vladamir Munteanu. The keeper was sent off and Damien Duput slotted home past stand-in keeper Graham Doyle.
The win leaves Galway still in pole position to strike if any of the top four slip up in the promotion run-in.
Galway United travelled to Century Homes Park on Friday night last knowing that nothing other than victory would suffice to keep our promotion hopes alive.
Tony Mannion made one change to the starting line-up from the previous week, with Ronan Frawley replacing Mixie Harty. David O'Dowd retained his place in the team after a good display against Bray, with top scorer Barry Moran having to be content with a place on the bench.
United started brightly, with Frenchman Damien Dupuy to the fore of many of the attacking movements. On 11 minutes his shot was saved by Monaghan 'keeper Vladimir Munteanu. Dupuy headed a Mike Quirke cross over the bar from close range after 26 minutes. Four minutes later his shot from the left sailed past the post. David O'Dowd set up Derek O'Brien five minutes before half-time, but the Kerrymans effort was off target. The last chance of the half fell to Conor Frawley, whose header from a Ryan Casey free-kick was diverted out for a corner. Monaghan United were enjoying good periods of possession, but never really threatened the United rearguard.
The game was becoming a rather turgid affair in the second half, but it certainly came to life in the 56th minute. David O'Dowd broke through the Monaghan defence and went one-on-one with Munteanu. Contact appeared to be minimal, but referee Hugo Whoriskey pointed to the spot. The unfortunate Romanian was sent off, and as Monaghan had no sub 'keeper, defender Graham Doyle went in goals for the spot kick. Damien Dupuy had no hesitation in taking the penalty, and blasted the ball to the back of the net for his sixth league goal in nine games.
United were now in control, but never really threatened makeshift 'keeper Doyle for the remainder of the game. Barry Moran was introduced for O'Dowd in the 74th minute and with three minutes of normal time to go, he fired over the Monaghan crossbar. A Colin Fortune lob in the 93rd minute was comfortably saved by Doyle, the only time he was called into action.
A satisfactory result in Century Homes Park, even if the game was not a classic. United's defence were solid as a rock, with Ronan Frawley justifiying his introduction. The front pair were also lively, providing Tony Mannion with another selection headache for Fridays home game against Athlone Town.
Galway United line up:
A.Gough
M.Quirke
C.Frawley
N.Keady
R.Frawley
D.O'Brien
F.Carter
M.Herrick
D.O'Dowd
D.Dupuy
R.Casey
Subs
B.Moran for D.O'Dowd (74 mins)
C.Fortune for M.Herrick (85 mins)
m.Harty for D.O'Brien (85 mins)
