Cobh Ramblers 1
Galway United 1

Galway United picked up their first point of the eircom Premier Division campaign when they came from behind to secure a draw at St Colman's Park on Saturday night.

TOP FORM . . . New signing Marc McCulloch who had another fine outing at left-back for Galway United in their 1-1 draw away to Cobh Ramblers on Saturday night. Photo: Declan Monaghan.

This was always going to be a tricky clash for Tony Cousins' men against the battling First Division champions and in the end the United boss was happy that they secured a point.

Derek O'Brien was the United hero as he restored parity 15 minutes from time with a powerful shot that was aided by a slight deflection to beat James McCarthy.

Cobh, beaten away in their opening game to a Finn Harps side who finished runners-up to them in the First Division last season, had hoped for a big crowd at the compact venue to mark their return to the top flight for the first time in thirteen years but ultimately only a small crowd - generously estimated at 900 - turned up.

In fairness, the night did not lend itself to heading out as incessant rain - which at one stage threatened the fixture - left a bumpy pitch with a slippy surface.

In the circumstances it was difficult for either side to play football and neither side managed to get on top in the opening half, although Derek Glynn caused trouble when the ball was played to his feet.

Cobh, though, created several good chances after the restart with Kieran O'Reilly poised to break the deadlock before Gary Rogers advanced to execute an excellent point-blank save, while the United custodian also needed to be sharp to deny Davin O'Neill.

However, Rogers could do little to deny O'Reilly the lead goal after 65 minutes with a good header. The introduction of John Lester and Jay O'Shea added impetus to the United challenge before the impressive Gary Deegan set O'Brien up for his equaliser.

United finished strongly but on a night when they did not create enough danger in the home box, they were unable to push on and win the game.

COBH RAMBLERS: McCarthy; Carey (Coleman, 60), Murray, Guthrie, Meade; Mulconry, Barrett, J. Kearney (A. Kearney, 81), O'Neill; O'Reilly, Cummins.

GALWAY UNITED: Rogers; Charles, Nootimer, Fitzgerald, McCulloch; Fenn (O'Shea, 71), Deegan, Russell (Lester, 60), O'Brien; Leech, Glynn (Faherty, 65).

REFEREE: D Tomney.

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