Keatley wins it for Connacht
Connacht claimed a 19-17 victory over Galsgow at Firhill, largely thanks to 14 points from the boot of stand-off Ian Keatley.
Last Updated: 17/09/10 10:42pm
Connacht claimed a 19-17 victory over Galsgow at Firhill, largely thanks to 14 points from the boot of stand-off Ian Keatley.
Keatley knocked over four penalties and also converted a try by wing Fionn Carr, but it was his final penalty five minutes from time which edged Conaght ahead.
Glasgow made a fast start and after a powerful forwards' drive, Jon Welsh gave them the chance to open the score after two minutes, with Ruaridh Jackson landing the penalty.
The home side kept up the pressure and a Max Evans break down the left had Connacht back pedalling and when the ball was switched right, Graeme Morrison had room to stretch over for the opening try.
When Glasgow foundered on some solid Connacht defence after five minutes of futile passing, the visitors sensed that they could turn things around.
Two Keatley penalties after 25 and 30 minutes put the visitors on the front foot.
Carr then took a hand when he cut in off his wing and left five tacklers in his wake as he raced across the pitch.
He then straightened up his run to go over, giving Keatley a simple conversion to take Connacht in leading at half-time.
The second half was only a minute old when Keatley stretched that lead further with his third penalty.
Pressure
With Connacht's powerful forwards Michael Swift and Bernie Upton cranking up the pressure, Glasgow looked to be in trouble but two penalties in quick succession for Jackson pulled them back into the game.
Both sides had chances in the final quarter, before Jackson pulled Glasgow ahead with his third penalty and it looked as though the home side would hang on.
But Keatley held his nerve and knocked over his fourth successful penalty with five minutes to go.
Glasgow threw everything into the last few minutes and their final chance came when Duncan Weir set up for a drop at goal but his kick drifted wide, as Connacht secured their second win from three Magners League starts.
