Galway United 0  Derry City 4:SURVIVAL IS Galway United's seasonal mission, but the implications of this brutal battering could be seriously damaging.

Demolished by a delightful Derry City outfit, Galway departed Terryland Park devastated. The recent optimism gained after four points from their past two encounters had vanished.

Before the contest the natives wondered would the visitors be primed for a battle, but Stephen Kenny's charges provided proof of their ability in a goal-laden first half. Five minutes in Alvin Rouse's error gifted Derry the lead as the Galway keeper failed to deal with Gareth McGlynn's tame shot.

Surprisingly, considering their utter superiority, Derry didn't score again until the 21st minute when Mark Farren tucked home Niall McGinn's cross. Then Ciarán Martyn made two goals inside a minute for McGinn and Thomas Stewart as Derry sauntered four clear before the half-hour mark.

Thereafter Galway strove to avoid further humiliation, but Derry had inflicted sufficient damage to leave the locals with fears for the future.

GALWAY UNITED:Rouse; Kenna (Conneely, 79), Fitzgerald (McBrien, 61), Lester, McCulloch; O'Shea, Foley, Murphy, Fenn; Faherty (Molloy, 84), Glynn.

DERRY CITY:Doherty; Deery, Delaney (Molloy, 77), Hutton (McCallion, 32) McCrystal; McGinn, McGlynn, Higgins, Martyn, Stewart; Farren (McHugh, 81).

Referee:A Buttimer (Cork).