After suffering the heartbreak of defeat on penalties in last year's decider, the Galway & District League went one better in the 2010 FAI Umbro Youth Inter-League at Drom Soccer Park today.

Goals from Pat Huban, Mike Elwood and Conor Murray gave them a deserved 3-1 victory over the Wicklow & District League in an excellent final which was played on a superb playing surface at the home of Airtricity League side Salthill Devon.

Playing with the advantage of a strong wind in the opening half, Galway got off to a perfect start after just three minutes when full-back Brian Conlon swung in a cross from the right and striker Pat Huban out-jumped a defender to head powerfully home from six yards.

They extended their lead after 28 minutes when an in-swinging corner from Daniel Cunningham was finished to the net by centre-half Mike Elwood despite the best efforts of defender Ciaran Byrne on the back post.

Galway could have gone in further ahead at half time but Huban saw another close range header cleared off the line by Adam Hanlon and Brian Gaffney was denied by Wicklow goalkeeper Cormac O'Brien after breaking clear.

Last year, Galway had surrendered a two goal lead in the final to the Dublin AUL, and when Dara Verney fired a looping shot past Ronan Forde from the edge of the box after 67 minutes, there was a sense of déjà vue among the home followers.

But, Galway showed they had learned their lessons and despite playing into a stiff breeze they carved out some excellent chances to seal victory before eventually putting the game beyond doubt nine minutes from time when Huban's fierce shot was parried by O'Brien and substitute Conor Murray won the race to steer the rebound into the empty net.

Galway skipper Paul Scally, a member of last year's losing team, was named as the Umbro Man of the Match.

Galway & District League: Ronan Forde, Brian Conlon, Eric Holland, Jason Finn, Mike Elwood, Paul Scally (capt), Daryl Horgan, Gary Kelly, Pa Huban, Brian Gaffney, Daniel Cunningham. Sub: Keith Lee for Elwood (46), Enda Curran for Cunningham (70), Conor Murray for Kelly (78). Subs not used: Aaron Connolly, Conor Murray, Philip Ryan, Cathal Walsh, Fergus Kerrigan.

Wicklow & District League: Cormac O'Brien, Jack Tim Murphy, Aaron Barry, Adam Hanlon, Keith Armstrong, James Scallan (capt), Ciaran Byrne, Dara Verney, Clive Crammond, Paul Rice, Daniel Ledwith. Subs: Domhnall Minogue for Armstrong (57), Jonathon Kelty for Murphy (68), Daragh Culleton for Ledwith (81).

Referee: Ray Flynn. Assistants: Thomas Oates and Terry Butler. Fourth Official: Noel Foley. (All Sligo).

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