Shamrock Rovers strike late against Galway United to earn first Premier Division victory of the season

Johnny Kenny's late goal earned Shamrock Rovers their first Premier Division win of the season after victory over Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park.

On a calm evening on Corribside, the atmosphere was upbeat as First Division champions Galway United welcomed four-in-a-row SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division winners Shamrock Rovers to the west.

The Hoops, who came into the encounter without a win in their first four league fixtures, demonstrated their quality to dig out a much-needed three points.

In a first half largely dominated by Rovers, the first shot in anger came from the left boot of Graham Burke in the 15th minute.

Following a tidy passage of play by the away side, Burke unleashed a long-range effort but United shot-stopper Brendan Clarke was equal to the strike.

The former Preston attacker came close again a few minutes later after breaking in behind the home defence. This time Galway left back Al-Amin Kazeem came to the rescue thanks to a last-ditch tackle to prevent a certain goal after Burke almost capitalised on Clarke’s palm away in the penalty area.

The Tribesmen, content to let the Hoops have the lion’s share of possession throughout proceedings, started the second half on a positive note as Stephen Bradley’s team struggled to break down a resolute United backline.

There were half chances for both sides in a lacklustre second 45 minutes; Rovers striker Rory Gaffney dragged an effort just off target while opposing striker Stephen Walsh saw his header go narrowly wide of the post to the relief of Leon Pohls in net.

GOAL - Galway United 0-1 Shamrock Rovers
What a time for substitute Johnny Kenny to open his account for the season as Shamrock Rovers find the breakthrough