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Galway United vs Cork City

26 September 2025 at 19:45Eamonn Deacy Park, Galway

Match Summary

Galway United defeated Cork City 2:1. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by S. Walsh 18′, A. Nolan 42′, S. Walsh 45′. 4 yellow cards were shown. Galway United had 41% possession while Cork City held 59%. Galway United had 17 shots (5 on target) compared to 11 (2 on target) for Cork City. Galway United made 3 substitutions, Cork City made 4.

Match Events

Key match events between Galway United and Cork City — 3 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.

Match Statistics

Galway United had 41% possession against Cork City's 59%. Galway United registered 17 shots (5 on target) while Cork City managed 11 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 5–4. Fouls committed: 19–11.

Shots on Goal
5
2
Shots Off Goal
9
3
Total Shots
17
11
Blocked Shots
3
6
Shots inside the Box
13
7
Shots outside the Box
4
4
Fouls
19
11
Corner Kicks
5
4
Offsides
3
2
Ball Possession
41%
59%
Yellow Cards
2
2
Red Cards
0
0
Goalkeeper Saves
1
3
Total Passes
242
360
Accurate Passes
126
245
Pass Accuracy
52%
68%
Expected Goals (xG)
0
0
Goals Prevented (xGP)
0
0

Lineups

Galway United lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Johnathan Caulfield, while Cork City deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Gerard Nash.

Squad Ratings

The overall squad rating for Galway United is 6.85, compared to — for Cork City. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Galway United's highest-rated starter is A. Bolger (7.11), while Cork City's best-rated player is —.

Attacking Output

The starting XI of Galway United have contributed 6 goals and 4 assists this season, led by A. Bolger (2G). Cork City's starters account for 0 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by —. Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.

Defensive Solidity

Galway United deploy 4 defenders rated 6.77 on average, against Cork City's 4-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.

Midfield Control

Galway United field 5 midfielders averaging 6.84, versus Cork City's 5 rated —. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.

Forward Threat

Galway United start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Cork City averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.

Passing & Build-Up

Passing accuracy averages 55% for Galway United and —% for Cork City. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.

Discipline

Galway United's starters have collected 9 yellow cards this season, compared to 0 for Cork City. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.

Age & Experience

The average age of Galway United's starting XI is 28.4 (youngest: E. Watts (21), oldest: S. Walsh (35)), while Cork City average — (youngest: —, oldest: —). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.

Squad Depth

Galway United's starters average 15 league appearances each, versus 0 for Cork City. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.

Galway United4-2-3-14-2-3-1Cork City
GKDEFMIDFWD
16Watts33Esua26Buckley5Brouder18Burns34Bolger4Slevin7Walsh15Hickey20Keohane27McGuinn.13Brann23Anderson4Kelleher28Feely19Kiernan17Crowley31Kamara10Nolan8McLaugh.20Fitzpat.24Maguire

Substitutes

Coach: Johnathan Caulfield

Substitutes

Coach: Gerard Nash

Galway UnitedPosition StrengthCork City
6.85
Avg Rating
6.96Goalkeeper (1 v 1)
0G 0A0G 0A
6.77Defender (4 v 4)
1G 0A0G 0A
6.84Midfielder (5 v 5)
5G 4A0G 0A
Galway United4-2-3-1
16GoalkeeperE. Watts7.0
33DefenderJ. Esua
26DefenderG. Buckley
5DefenderK. Brouder6.81G
18DefenderB. Burns
34MidfielderA. Bolger7.12G1A
4MidfielderR. Slevin
7MidfielderS. Walsh6.52G2A
15MidfielderP. Hickey
20MidfielderJ. Keohane6.91G1A
27ForwardD. McGuinness
Cork City4-2-3-1
13GoalkeeperC. Brann
23DefenderF. Anderson
4DefenderF. Kelleher
28DefenderR. Feely
19DefenderM. Kiernan
17MidfielderD. Crowley
31MidfielderK. Kamara
10MidfielderA. Nolan
8MidfielderE. McLaughlin
20MidfielderJ. Fitzpatrick
24ForwardS. Maguire

Rivalry since 2019

Galway United vs Cork City Head to Head Results· 14

Galway United and Cork City have met 14 times — Galway United won 5, Cork City won 5, with 4 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. A combined 32 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.29 per match (16 for the home side, 16 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 6 matches (43%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 7 games (50%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–3 in 2021.

Drawn
4
·
Total goals
32 · 2.3/match
Both scored
6/14 · 43%
Over 2.5
7/14 · 50%

Recent Meetings

29/01/26Friendlies Clubs
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16/01/24Friendlies Clubs
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03/02/23Friendlies Clubs
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16/09/22First Division
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15/07/22First Division
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27/05/22First Division
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25/02/22First Division
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Highest-scoring game: 23 v 2021

Recent Form

WWonDDrawnLLost

In their last 6 matches, Galway United have recorded 1 win, 3 draws and 2 defeats. Cork City show 3 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.

Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

API data: 11 May 2026