Galway Utd 3 Cork City 2:AS EVERY fixture involving Galway United is in the critical category, a dash of intrigue is inevitable. This compelling contest didn't disappoint.

Cork City, dumped out of the FAI Cup on Tuesday evening, mightn't have much left to play for, but they still presented a formidable hurdle for Galway.

So the home fans were happy when Galway nicked the lead after a mere seven minutes as Jay O'Shea made a big impact. Included in Don Givens's Republic of Ireland under-21 squad for the October 14th friendly with Lithuania, and attracting interest from Birmingham City, O'Shea grabbed a gorgeous goal.

Having received possession from Jonathan Keane, O'Shea scampered clear, outwitting two defenders before supplying a similarly tidy finish from 16 yards.

Still, for all Galway's early enterprise, Cork equalised in the 19th minute as Gary Rogers failed to deal with Timmy Kiely's shot following Danny Murphy's cross.

Galway were intent on reclaiming the lead and their enthusiasm was rewarded after 42 minutes when Ciarán Foley's blistering drive rattled the Cork net.

After the break there was more drama. O'Shea tucked home a 67th minute penalty to extend Galway's advantage. Galway's Jonathan Keane was dismissed on 74 minutes and a late Cork flurry brought a goal for Lawrie Dudfield three minutes from time. But Galway held out for a vital win.

GALWAY UNITED:Rogers; Conneely, Fitzgerald, A Keane, McCulloch; J Keane, Foley, Lester, O'Shea, Russell; Jorgensen (Murphy, 76 mins).

CORK CITY:Devine (McNulty, 66 mins); Horgan, Murray, Sullivan, Woods (O'Connor, 62 mins); Kiely (Cambridge, 83 mins) Darren Murphy, Gamble, Danny Murphy; Dudfield, Kearney.

Referee:M Gough (Limerick).