Galway United jump up to fifth despite Sligo Rovers stalemate

It means Galway move up for fifth place, while Sligo Rovers stay in seventh.

John Caulfield’s side have proven to be difficult to beat so far this season. And have only conceded six goals so far, the lowest number of goals conceded by any team.

But the Tribesmen’s record at The Showgrounds isn’t one to brag about.

You have to go back as far as 2003 to find their last victory at this venue, while their last league win in the Yeats County was in 1996.

But, their victory over league leaders Shelbourne on Friday night gave the visitors a bit of a pep in their step, particularly as Sligo have only scored in two of their five games at home this season.

The home side completely dominated the play in the first half, but really the away team had the better chances.

Simon Power hit the post from a tricky angle after 25 minutes, while Ellis Chapman blasted the follow up over the bar from close range.

A mistake at the back allowed Wassim Aouachria space to run in on goal, but he couldn't direct his shot away from Ed McGinty who made a vital save for his side.

Max Mata was wondering how he didn't put his side ahead on 30 minutes when Fabrice Hartmann's corner landed right for him, the New Zealand international failing to get the right connection to put it in the net.

Galway, whose manager John Caulfield was serving a suspension, almost went ahead before the break.

Stephen Walsh charged down on goal, and while Sligo were trying to catch up with him, the 33-year-old unleashed a powerful effort from the left that came off the crossbar from the left.

The Tribesmen picked up the pace in the second half, with the home side forced to do a lot of defending.

The best chances fell to the visitors, but the home side will feel as though this game should have been in their control in the first half.

Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; JR Wilson, Charlie Wiggett, Ollie Denham, Reece Hutchinson; Niall Morahan, Connor Malley; Simon Power (Stefan Radosavljevic 57), Ellis Chapman (Rein Smit 79), Fabrice Hartmann (Will Fitzgerald HT); Max Mata (Wilson Waweru 73).

Galway United: Brendan Clarke; Rob Slevin, Killian Brouder, Maurice Nugent (Conor O'Keefe 76); Jeannot Esua, Al-Amin Kazeem; David Hurley; Ed McCarthy (Aodh Dervan 67), Karl O'Sullivan (Francely Lomoboto 83); Stephen Walsh, Wassim Aouachria (Vincent Borden HT).

Referee: Eoghan O'Shea.