If it was a difficult end, it was a horror start for the home team who conceded a soft penalty in the third minute, when Conor O’ Keeffe bundled over Danny Grant in the box.

Dayle Rooney slotted the spot-kick for a Bohs side who started the brighter. The visitor’s passing was crisp. James Clarke exploited the space behind the midfield and Danny Grant was a constant threat on the right.

Adam McDonnell came close to doubling the lead but his snapshot from the edge of the box clipped the outside of the post. Later in the half, the same player had an even better chance when he reacted to a quick free-kick over the top. This time, he couldn’t keep his shot down.

Despite their dominance, Bohs needed Kacper Chorazka to save smartly from Maurice Nugent after a rare foray forward for the home team. Patrick Hickey couldn’t convert the rebound but it was a reminder that United were hanging in the contest even after a torrid first half.

Their resilience paid dividends as they were on terms shortly after the restart. A long throw from the right from Ed McCarthy caused havoc. Eventually, Rob Slevin provided the finish for a goal that had more in common with a pushover try.

The game subsequently sprang to life as both sides ventured forward for a would-be winner. United were rejuvenated and Stephen Walsh’s influence grew. They forced a plethora of corners and Garry Buckley was inches away from converting one. McCarthy was close too with a curled shot.

United continued in the ascendancy in an inverse of the first half. Buckley was denied again by an outstanding Chorazka save with ten minutes on the clock before they were denied again in a controversial ending.

Galway United: Clarke; Esua, Slevin (Hurley 55), Brouder, O’ Keeffe (Burns 45); McCarthy (Lomboto 78), Nugent, Hickey, Buckley, Keohane; Walsh 8 (Uzokwe 90 N/A) 

Bohemians: Chorazka; Miller 7 (Mills 68), Byrne, Carroll (Keita 83), Kirk; Grant (McDaid 83), Clarke (Tierney 63), Flores, McDonnell, Rooney; Akintunde 

Referee: E O’ Shea