Cobh Ramblers held runaway league leaders Galway United to a 1-1 draw here at St Colman’s Park tonight in a top-of-the-table First Division clash.

Cobh captain Pierce Phillips fired the Rams into an early lead before David Hurley equalised from the penalty spot. Darragh O’Sullivan Connell saw red for a last-ditch tackle on Wassim Aouachria at the start of the second half, but ten-men Cobh were able to hold on for a point.

Shane Keegan’s men were well worth their hard-fought point that keeps them in the driving seat in their search for a playoff spot.

The home side got off to a flyer when captain Pierce Phillips smashed in a powerful shot low into the corner of the Galway net in the second minute.

The goal came from a long punt upfield by keeper Lee Steacy, the ball was flicked on into the Galway box and fell to Liam Kervick who teed the pass up for Phillips to take aim.

For the game’s opening quarter, Cobh were tenacious in midfield pushing the visitors back deep into their own half. Kervick caused United’s backline some trouble but either ran offside or sliced his shot when he got away from his markers.

Galway slowly began to grow into the game with Rob Slevin given time and the ball to build up from the back, the right-back attempted several cross-field passes that were easily cut out.

Just as Cobh’s minds were focusing on heading into the interval with a one-goal lead Justin Eguaibor brought down David Hurley inside the box and referee Declan Tolland pointed to the spot.

Up stepped Hurley and the midfielder tucked the ball away past the outstretched Steacy to leave the sides level at the break.

Galway started the second half at breakneck speed pushing for a second goal, leaving the home side struggling to keep pace with their forays into the Cobh half.

On one of those passages of good play Darragh O’Sullivan Connell brought down new signing Wassim Aouachria and was given his marching orders leaving the Rams down to ten men around the 52nd minute.

Ramblers dug deep to rearrange their formation and compressed themselves tight giving the Tribesmen little space to work a clear-cut chance in.

Galway became frustrated and manager John Caufield threw on the subs to add a spark up front, and instead of goals, his players picked up several yellow cards as Cobh held on for a point.

For Galway, the draw keeps them 13 points clear of second-placed Waterford who played out a 2-2 draw at home against Longford Town.