First Division round-up: Galway beat Waterford to gallop clear of rivals in title race

Galway United stretched a remarkable 10 points clear of Waterford in their quest for promotion to the Premier Division with a massive victory on a balmy night by the Corrib.

Two of their key players in what has been an amazing season so far – Ed McCarthy and David Hurley – put United 2-0 up, and deservedly so, in front of another bumper Eamonn Deacy Park crowd.

A nervy finale was ensured by Ronan Coughlan's cool finish but United held out and look long odds-on to win their first major trophy since a League Cup triumph in 1997.

Stephen Walsh has been outstanding since chucked up front in the corresponding fixture early last season and he was a proper nuisance for the visitors in the opening 10 minutes.

The Blues struggled to get out of their half, though chances were few. Galway had all the early play and Killian Brouder controlled well and drove at goal on his weaker foot on 17 minutes but it was straight at Paul Martin.

Then Francely Lomboto showed his striking pace on the left-hand side but his clever delivery into the box came to nothing.

McCarthy exhibited his own blistering speed midway through the half but Walsh couldn't capitalise after he was put in down the left. McCarthy broke the stalemate on 33 minutes in a goal typical of how Galway play.

David Hurley's lovely ball into them box after a one-two with Regan Donelon caused confusion and McCarthy, who has been consistently outstanding this season, connected at the back post to beat Martin. Lomboto then worked Martin, the Blues reeling, Terryland rocking.

FIRST DIVISION TABLE

The visitors finally created something five minutes shy of the break but off-season signing Brendan Clarke made a superb double-save.

Initially a Waterford free-kick caused problems before Connor