Galway Utd 1 Sligo Rovers 0:ALL SEASON long the respective managers, Ian Foster and Paul Cook, have stressed the importance of defeating teams in similar league positions so Galway United's gleeful celebrations at the end of an absorbing game at Terryland Park last night were completely understandable.

The home team were plucky and purposeful throughout, and dealt adequately with the second-half dismissal of John Russell to claim their third win in four matches.

There was much to admire in the willingness of both teams to move the ball swiftly along the deck and chances duly arrived in a high-tempo first quarter.

Sligo’s Raf Cretaro and Galway’s Iarfhlaith Davoren went close before the evening’s only goal was bagged in the 18th minute.

That it came following a smashing necklace of Galway passes merely added to the locals’ satisfaction.

Alan Murphy and Derek O’Brien crafted the opportunity for Russell, who swept Galway ahead with an assured close-range finish.

But three minutes after the restart Galway were reduced to 10 men as referee Derek Tomney brandished a second yellow to Russell for a challenge on Michael McGrath.

On the hour mark McGrath tested Barry Ryan with a powerful free-kick, but the Galway goalkeeper made a smart save to deny Rovers an equaliser, and Foster’s youngsters survived a frenetic climax.

GALWAY UNITED: Ryan; Conneely, Breen, Guthrie, O'Toole; O'Brien (Cooke, 23, McBrien, 72), Kelly, Russell, Davoren; Murphy, Molloy (Faherty, 65).

SLIGO ROVERS:Brush; Boco, Keane, Ventre, Kendrick; Morrison (Marshall, 68), O'Grady, McGrath, Doyle (Turner, 74); Cretaro, Blinkhorn.

Referee: D Tomney (Dublin).