Jimmy Keohane's ruthless first-half strike sealed Galway United's first win of the season against Sligo Rovers in the 100th Connacht Derby.
United were full value for their victory and could have won by more had Ed McCarthy not missed an open goal from six-yards out. The Tribesmen were very impressive as they delivered an assured but aggressive display at Eamonn Deacy Park.
John Caulfield made two changes to his starting eleven with Wasiri Williams and Francely Lamboto making way for Connor Barratt and Ed McCarthy to make their first starts of the season. Those changes prompted a shift in shape for United to a 4-4-2. Barratt partnered Bolger in the middle of the park with David Hurley moving forward to support Stephen Walsh.
The game's opening exchanges saw an arm wrestle for control with both sides struggling to stamp their authority on proceedings.
But Sligo Rovers were looking sloppy in possession in the opening stages, and United's first sight on goal came from Arthur Parker intercepting a pass out from the back and sliding Hurley through. His attempt was tame but United were growing in encouragement.
United's growing confidence told with the game's opening goal on the 18th minute mark. Phenomenal play from Bolger to wrestle back possession in midfield, before embarking on a marauding run past three Rovers players on the left-wing, resulted in a cross flashed into the area to Keohane who played a quick one-two with Walsh to set the United skipper up to rifle a right-footed effort into the roof of the net. Ruthless from Galway United.
The Bit O'Red were poor, struggling to compete with United's aggression and physicality. They posed no threat to the United defence in possession, while off the ball the Tribesmen could progress through the thirds with so much ease.
United should have had their second on the 36th minute. Again going from back-to-front, incisive wing play from Keohane saw him skip past Gareth McElroy on the right flank, dribbling into the penalty area before sliding the ball past the onrushing Sam Sargeant to a wide open McCarthy.
McCarthy, six-yards out with only an open goal to beat, blazed his attempt over the bar in what can only be described as a proverbial sitter. It would have capped a fine first-half performance for Caulfield's side who were in complete control of the contest.
Sligo Rovers posed more of a threat after the interval. However, creating clear-cut opportunities against this well-drilled, stubborn United defence alluded them. United were certainly more conservative after the break as they retreated into their shape.
But United had chances to extend their lead. Bolger had an opportunity to put the gloss on a fantastic midfield display with 20 minutes to play when he intercepted an aimless Sargeant pass and drove at the Sligo goal. Bearing down on Sargeant's penalty area his shot was low and hard but straight into the Sligo 'keeper's hands.
Caulfield's side would not be breached. Defenders Arthur Parker, Gianfranco Facchineri, Killian Brouder, and Lee Devitt continued their good starts to the season. The change in shape had no bearing on their defensive efforts
A derby day victory is always sweet, but to do it in such commanding fashion is exactly the springboard this United side need to kick on. The depth in this side provides great encouragement for Caulfield and his staff.
The foundation at the back is there and the connections in midfield are established. If Frantz Pierrot can come in and start firing, this Galway United side could be in for a more fruitful campaign than initially expected.
But all that matters is tonight and for tonight, Connacht is maroon and white.
