Galway continued their unbeaten run with a 3-0 win over Athlone Town tonight.

Chances were at a premium in the first half but a much improved second for Galway was rewarded with goals from Alex Murphy with a header, a David Hurley penalty and a strike from substitute Ronan Manning.

It was surprisingly Athlone who had the first real chance in this one. In just the 4^th minute, Aaron Connolly played through Gary Armstrong, who tested Kearns at the near post, who was equal to the test.

Galway got their first chance in the 13^th minute when Stephen Walsh was played through. He tussled back and forth with Aaron McBride before poking his effort wide.

The tribesmen weren’t really at it in the first half and received a warning shot in the 37^th minute when Success Edogun got the ball on the left of the box before taking it onto his right and trying a shot. A deflection caused a big loop and it went just wide.

The host could’ve had the lead two minutes from the half when a ball from a free was headed down to Killian Boulder, but he scuffed wide.

There was more urgency in the second half from John Caulfield’s men following a team talk and it showed early. Wilson Waweru was played through and smacked a shot off the upright, showing it was only a matter of time before Galway would take the lead.

The deadlock was broken in the 54^th minute when a David Hurley free kick was met by Alex Murphy who bet Mark Smith to the cross, putting it in. Galway never looked back.

They would threaten via set pieces throughout but it took until ten minutes from time for the lead to be doubled.

Wilson Waweru was played through on goal and Smith denied him at point blank range before Walsh got the rebound but was fouled just inside the area. David Hurley stepped up and slammed it in to put Athlone out of reach.

The cake got its icing in the 90^th minute when Galway yet again won a free out left. It was pulled back to Ronan Manning, who took a touch inside and slotted it in. A fine finish.

Elsewhere Cork have only managed a draw with Wexford. This means that following tonight’s results, Galway now lead the first division by two points.