Galway Utd 1 Kilkenny City 2

Two scrappy goals were enough to earn Kilkenny their first win back in the top flight and both were first-half gifts from Galway.

The first came when Greg Costello drove a free kick at pace into the Galway area and Scott Morgan misdirected a header past his own 'keeper, David Forde.

On 42 minutes, Galway came unstuck again from another Costello dead ball. This time the former Shels man's corner wasn't dealt with. Sean Murray pounced on the bobbling ball and hit the rigging.

Galway, who had had their chances in the first half, got their revival seriously under way in the 62^nd minute with a stunning Eric Lavine strike from a free kick.

Ollie Keogh then shot wide and right at the death Robbie Forde made a great stop from Kieran Foley.

Galway United: Forde, Keady, Foley, Clery, Morgan, Ryan, Crossley, Sheridan, Malee, Goldbey, Lavine

Subs: Gorman for Morgan 45, Keogh for Malee 60, Mooney for Ryan 80

Goal: Lavine 62

Kilkenny City: Forde, Brennan, Byrne, Riordan, Mulcahy, McGrath, Mullen, Costello, Carolan, Kabia, Murray

Subs: Kerley for Mullen 68, Jordan for McGrath 78

Goals: Morgan o.g. 35, Murray 41

Referee: P Whelan (Dublin)