Derry City beat Galway to move fourth in league

Irish Premier Division Derry City 1 - 0 Galway United FT Adam O'Reilly's goal in first-half stoppage time proved decisive as Derry City picked up a 1-0 win over Galway United at the Brandywell to move fourth in the Premier Division. Chances were few and far between in the opening 45 minutes and the sides looked to be heading in level at the break until O'Reilly got on the end of Michael Duffy's cut-back. The visitors never really threatened an equaliser in the second period and Derry went close to doubling their lead. The 1-0 win sees Derry leapfrog Dundalk into fourth with four league games remaining. The Candystripes are now unbeaten in five games in all competitions while Galway suffer only their second defeat in 12 outings. In a dress rehearsal for their FAI Cup semi-final in three weeks' time after the international break, Derry welcomed Galway with their sights firmly set on rising the league table with fourth spot potentially guaranteeing a European qualification place. The hosts had not managed to beat their opponents in their three previous meetings this season. These teams will battle it out in the west on 10 October for a place in the knockout decider, but there weren't many blows landed in the first period of this one, with chances at a premium. O'Reilly, who struck a 40-yard screamer in Monday night's 2-2 draw away at Waterford, had an early effort. At the other end, Stephen Walsh threatened, while United centre-back Wasiri Williams fired wide from inside the area. Each of the previous three meetings between these sides at the Brandywell had ended in a draw, and it looked as though the teams would go in all square at the break - until O'Reilly struck in stoppage time. Brandon Fleming played a neat reverse pass to Duffy, whose pull-back evaded Tyler Smith before O'Reilly poked the ball home. Only the league's top two have taken more points from their home games than the Candystripes and in the second half the hosts went about finding a second. Duffy went close with a free-kick before Darragh Burns crashed a shot into the side netting. James Clarke had an opportunity from close range but headed straight at Galway goalkeeper Hugo Cunha. The Westerners have only won once in eight meetings on Foyleside since 2015 and with a quarter-of-an-hour to go manager John Caufield made a triple substitution to try and swing the momentum in his side's favour but it didn't really have an effect. In added time, Galway Substitute Frantz Pierrot saw his deflected effort flash just the wrong side of the post as the home crowd collectively held their breath. Mark Connolly's men saw out the final seconds to pick up a deserved victory. Fourth spot may not be enough to guarantee a European place should FAI Cup be won by a team outside the top three but now in fourth and with a semi-final to look forward to, Derry's continental aspirations are in their own hands. Their next Premier Division game will be away to Drogheda, followed by their next home match against St Patrick's Athletic three days later.