Galway United travel to City Calling Stadium on Saturday evening for an SSE Aitricity League first division encounter against Longford Town (7.30pm ).
Last Friday goals from Conor Layng and Vinny Faherty ensured United earned a point against Bray Wanderers at Eamonn Deacy Park.
In an eventful game that was not short on controversial decisions or fine Kevin Horgan saves, Alan Murphy’s youthful team came from behind twice to earn the draw.
Ultimately Murphy was delighted with the passion and purpose demonstrated by United’s emerging collection of footballers.
“It was a good performance,” Murphy reflected. “I thought we probably deserved to win the game. I thought we gave the crowd what they deserved, what some of them deserved. I'm really proud of this bunch of players. It is a pity they didn't get the win to quieten a few people, maybe.”
The United manager is adamant his young squad is gaining valuable experience throughout a testing campaign. Despite the mixed results, Murphy emphasises the manner in which his players continue to battle wholeheartedly.
“We freshened matters up, some guys got their chance again, a fresh chance,” Murphy says. “That is what this year is about, contrary to some people's opinions. We have a group of players that needs development, they need time on the pitch.
“They also need to make errors because they need to learn from them. Probably what they don't need is to be lambasted every week in media, in social media, and on the streets. We have a very young bunch of players, who are giving their all for the jersey which probably hasn't been seen for a few years.
“I think it is time that this bunch of players got a bit of respect. They are only young, but they are the best young kids in their group and age groups for a while."
Murphy says these players are the future of this club.
"They will make loads of mistakes, I've seen those mistakes and I've accepted them and taken responsibility for them. I will continue to do it because that is the right thing to do. The right thing is develop this club, to bring through our own.”
Significant room for improvement exists, says Murphy, who believes United can progress in the remaining months of the campaign.
“This team is in its infancy. They make huge mistakes, but they try to recover from them, they try to change, they try to develop, they don't give up, and they have a brilliant attitude for a group of players doing it for themselves and the club. For us 26 out of 28 players are amateur, people need to look at that and pause before they think they can be negative towards this group of players.
“It was a pity we didn't get the win, but we will draw a line under it again. We will move forward. There may be some poor performances at times, some very good performances, some growth and some backward steps. That is what this is about, don't forget that.”
United’s 2019 journey continues with a demanding game in the midlands against a Longford outfit, which is very much involved in the promotion race.
