Allianz Football League Division One

GALWAY 1-14 MONAGHAN 0-16

By Cian O'Connell at Pearse Stadium

Ultimately a lively and gripping game brought the feel good factor Galway supporters craved.

Stylish initially when demonstrating plenty of skill, it was substance that got Galway the spoils in the end. Monaghan, who trailed by five early in the second half, came roaring back to level, but Galway stayed the distance.

So when referee Maurice Deegan’s final whistle came Galway selector John Concannon embraced new manager Padraic Joyce. It was that sort of morale boosting win with two points pocketed and an important little statement made.

The opening period illustrated Galway’s efficiency and willingness to adopt a direct kicking style throughout.

While Monaghan did frustrate Galway at stages the statistics confirmed that the locals were slick enough in attack.

From 12 first half shots Galway posted 1-8 compared to Monaghan’s 0-8 from 16 attempts so the maroon and white team were content at the interval.

Level at 0-4 each in the 15th minute, Galway then pounced for a goal when Gary O’Donnell, Shane Walsh, and Michael Boyle all combined before releasing the promising Robert Finnerty.

The Salthill-Knocknacarra forward showed a flash of class selling a dummy prior to scoring a goal as if playing in his back garden 200 yards down the road.

Monaghan did respond to the concession with Kieran Hughes and Conor McCarthy drilling points, but Galway remained positive.

Shane Walsh (two) and Adrian Varley struck three points in brisk succession which ensured the home crowd were gaining in belief.

A scare was survived in the 31st minute, though, as following a foul on Dessie Ward, Conor McManus’ penalty extracted a smart save from Connor Gleeson.

Rory Beggan did nail a long range free, but just before the break Gary O’Donnell raided forward to nail a score guiding Galway 1-8 to 0-8 in front at the turnaround.

After the restart Galway pushed the advantage out to five at 1-11 to 0-9 by the 43rd minute, but Monaghan summoned a gutsy reply.

Conor McManus, delightful in attack, spearheaded the revival with Jack McCarron and substitutes Christopher McGuinness and Aaron Mulligan notching scores.

Suddenly with 11 minutes remaining parity had been restored. Were doubts creeping into Galway minds? Walsh and McManus traded frees.

With five left on the clock the issue was delicately poised. Damien Comer calmly fisted a point and then crafted just enough space for another replacement Matthias O Baireid to edge Galway two ahead again.

McManus landed an exquisite free from an awkward angle to leave the minimum between the teams. Galway, though, stayed cool and the locals skipped away from Salthill satisfied.

Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 0-6 (5fs), Rob Finnerty 1-1, Gary O’Donnell, Cein D’Arcy, Paul Conroy, Matthias O Baireid, Damien Comer, Finian O Laoi, and Adrian Varley (m) 0-1 each.

Scorers for Monaghan: Conor McManus 0-6 (2fs, 1m), Kieran Hughes and Jack McCarron (1f) 0-2 each, Aaron Mulligan, Christopher McGuinness, Ryan McAnespie, Kieran Duffy, Conor McCarthy, and Rory Beggan (f) 0-1 each.

GALWAY: Connor Gleeson; Johnny Heaney, Sean Mulkerrin, Johnny Duane; Gary O’Donnell, John Daly, Cillian McDaid; Paul Conroy, Cein D’Arcy; Michael Boyle, Finian O Laoi, Michael Daly; Rob Finnerty, Shane Walsh, Adrian Varley.

Subs: Damien Comer for Boyle (33), Eamonn Brannigan for O Laoi (49), Matthias O Baireid for Conroy (60), Liam Costello for Varley (60), Sean Kelly for M Daly (67).

MONAGHAN: Rory Beggan; Ryan Wylie, Kieran Duffy, Conor Boyle; Dessie Ward, Karl O’Connell, Michael Bannigan; Niall Kearns, Darren Hughes; Ryan McAnespie, Jack McCarron, Dermot Malone; Conor McCarthy, Kieran Hughes, Conor McManus.

Subs: Aaron Mulligan for Bannigan (46), Christopher McGuinness for Malone (56), Shane Carey for McCarthy (59), Andrew Woods for McCarron (70).

REFEREE: Maurice Deegan (Laois).