Galway United 0
Shamrock Rovers 2

Galway United's final game under Tony Cousins saw them run ragged by the part-timers from Shamrock Rovers in a performance which had supporters fuming at Terryland Park on Saturday night.

FOUL . . . Galway United striker Vinny Faherty is fouled by Shamrock Rovers defender Darragh Maguire during Saturday's eircom League clash at Terryland Park. Photo: Reg Gordon.

Despite being hit by injuries and suspensions to key players, United still fielded a starting eleven who would be regarded as first-team players and they started the brighter of the two sides and were almost rewarded on the quarter hour when Rovers keeper Brian Murphy smartly tipped over Vinny Faherty's header after an incisive run and cross from John Russell.

But buoyed by the let-off, Rovers were in front just two minutes later. The breakthrough came via the most direct of routes, as Murphy's long punt sent Eoin Doyle clear via a Dessie Baker flick. And although Doyle lost control, United were unfortunate to see the ball deflect into the path of Baker, who made no mistake from 12 yards.

Former United man Alan Murphy had two opportunities to extend Rovers' advantage before the break. First he fired over from a Doyle centre, before Gary Rogers advanced swiftly to deny him after Murphy had pounced on a slip by Ollie Fenn.

At the other end, the lively Faherty again posed Galway's biggest threat, dispossessing Darragh Maguire only to see a goal-bound effort parried away by the alert Murphy.

Disappointed to go in behind at the interval, United's woes were intensified when Rovers' captain Stephen Rice added the second goal 12 minutes into the second half.

The dangerous Baker was again the United tormentor with a neat flick that allowed Rice finish from close range.

United failed to respond with any purpose to the challenge and rarely called Rovers' keeper Murphy into further action as the visitors closed out the contest comfortably to extend their unbeaten start.

Galway United: Rogers, Nooitmeer, Charles (Conneely, 21), Fenn, McCulloch (Keane, 60), Russell, Deegan, Foley (Cunningham, 60), O'Brien, Leech, Faherty
Booked: McCulloch, Deegan, Fenn

Shamrock Rovers: Barry Murphy ,O'Brien, Maguire, Ferguson, O'Connor; Doyle (Martin, 69), McGill, Rice, O'Connor (Creevy, 85), Alan Murphy (Purcell, 55), Baker
Goals: Baker 17, Rice 57
Booked: Rice

Referee: Dave McKeon

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