Galway Utd 3 Derry City 1:A CURIOUS League of Ireland season has been dotted with interesting developments, and Galway United, seemingly safe from relegation worries a fortnight ago, found themselves in the tricky position of having to obtain another positive result at Terryland Park last night.

That the Tribesmen achieved that mission with a display dripping with character ensured a passionate Galwegian audience went home heartened.

There was plenty to admire in a first half that crackled with invention.

Derry absorbed Galway’s early passion before Gareth McGlynn guided the Candystripes in front on 26 minutes with a splendid strike.

Galway, though, summoned a hearty response as Cian McBrien restored parity in the 38th minute with a similarly crisp shot.

Then Republic of Ireland under-21 international Séamus Conneely provided a sweet assist for teenager Aaron Greene, who nudged Galway ahead with a flash of opportunism.

Ian Foster’s youngsters were earnest after the restart as Derry were reduced to 10 men in the 50th minute when Clive Delaney was dismissed for a foul on Derek O’Brien.

O’Brien squandered a couple of chances in the closing stages, but substitute Jason Molloy embellished the success with a stoppage-time third.

GALWAY UNITED: Ryan; Conneely (Synott, 82), Breen, Guthrie, Davoren; Kelly; McBrien, Murphy; O'Brien (Fitzgerald, 88); Faherty, Greene (Molloy, 82).

DERRY CITY: Doherty; McCallion (Hutton, 46), Delaney, Gray, O'Brien; McGlynn, Martyn, Higgins, Kearney (McDaid, 82); Scullion (McClean, 46), McManus.

Referee: P Sutton(Clare).