Although Galway United are only four games into their Premier Division campaign, there is plenty to extrapolate from a busy week in the top tier. There will likely be more at 10pm tomorrow night after they entertain Drogheda United at Eamonn Deacy Park. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
United were excellent in their win over familiar foes Waterford home last Friday night. A healthy crowd of over 3,000 were treated to a pulsating tie sometimes lacking in quality but never endeavour.
The win was most impressive as United had to battle back from behind. They went 1-0 down against the run of play after slick play from the visitors sent Connor Parsons clear on the right. He squared to Pádraig Amond who slotted home.
United had a glut of chances to equalise, with the excellent Aodh Dervin just failing to find the finish his performance deserved. He eventually turned provider for Vince Borden early in the second half for 1-1.
A tense contest ensued. Afterwards, Waterford boss would accuse the Galway side of employing dark arts. The battle from both sides felt more honest than this and when Dave Hurley drove home in the 79th minute, it was enough for United to hold on for an important win.
Assistant Manager Ollie Horgan acknowledged after the game that there would be little time to enjoy the win as United travelled to Drumcondra on the following Monday.
A noisy band of United supporters joined them and made themselves heard in a lively atmosphere in Tolka Park. There is a whiff of expectation around Damien Duff’s Shelbourne side who have made the early running in the league.
Yet again, United started the brighter but fell behind after some quality from Shels in the final third. Winger Will Jarvis picked the ball of and drove in-field. His clever curled shot, hit the inside of the post and John Martin steered the rebound home.
If the Waterford game was recalled in the first half, there were elements common to the St. Pat’s opening game in the second. United battled admirably, got some energy from their substitutes but failed to produce the quality to make their pressure pay. It was nonetheless an encouraging display against the only unbeaten side in the division.
More crucial to the season’s prospects will be tomorrow night’s game against Drogheda United. The visitors had an impressive win at home to Bohemians on Monday night after being turned over 4-1 by Waterford in their previous outing.
The Louth side have a blend of youth and experience that will provide difficulties for the division. Evan Weir and Frantz Pierrot are the obvious examples of exciting young prospects with bright futures in the game. Captain Gary Deegan, Dave Webster and Ryan Brennan have huge experience and nous also.
John Caulfield will be relieved to welcome back Stephen Walsh back from his three-game suspension, a leader who provides similar experience for his teammates. Wassim Auoachria and Garry Buckley were the other notable absentees from the trip to Dublin on Monday night. Both would add significant presence to the squad.
Nevertheless, there has been much to enthuse those United fans already plotting their journey up the Dyke Road tomorrow night. Their team is yet to concede more than one goal in a game.
Elsewhere on the park, the United squad has answered some questions about its flexibility and depth to negotiate injuries and suspensions. Rob Slevin and Karl O’ Sullivan have slotted in very well. Aodh Dervin has been a revelation since being left out for the opener.
If they turn in another competitive performance of purpose and passion against Drogheda, the Terryland faithful will be confident that their side can pick up some more positive momentum.
