Sean Francis was hero and villain for Shamrock Rovers at Terryland Park last night scoring inside a minute before getting sent-off.
Francis struck for the lead goal from the first attack of the game on 39 seconds but then it all began to go wrong for Francis on 21 minutes when he blazed a good chance over the crossbar. Four minutes later he was sent-off for retaliating to a challenge by Galway captain Billy Clery.
Tony Cousins and Brian Byrne had solid headers on goal well saved by Galway goalkeeper David Forde before Galway equalised on 32 minutes.
There didn't appear to be much danger as Alan Murphy shot from 25 yards, but it had the power and pace to surprisingly beat Tony O'Dowd, making his first appearance in seven months, at his left hand post.
GALWAY UNITED: Forde; Crossley, Clery, Silke, Morgan; Ryan, O'Connor, Sheridan, Murphy; Ryan, Lavine. Subs: Malee for Morgan (inj 7 mins.), B Moran for Malee (77 mins), Neary for Keogh (89 mins).
SHAMROCK ROVERS: O'Dowd; Vaudequin, Palmer, Cronin, Dunne; Robinson, Colwell, Tracey, Byrne; Cousins, Francis. Subs: Kenny for Robinson (69 mins).
Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).
