Galway United Women host Glentoran on Saturday evening in Eamonn Deacy Park in the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup.
The novel pairing provides an opportunity for Phil Trill’s side to take a big step towards advancing to the knockout stages of the competition. They currently sit joint top with Athlone after the first round.
It may also give him a chance to shuffle his deck as he did in the previous round in Sligo. There are sure to be selection dilemmas despite his side currently performing at unparalleled standards.
United are an incredible 5 points clear at the top of the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division after just 4 games. Their ascent up the table continued with a ruthless demolition of Bohemians last Saturday. Julie Ann Russell, recently named the league player of the month for March, dazzled again. She pirouetted and played Rola Olusola through for the first.
Lynsey McKey added a delicious lob from 25 yards before Isabella Beletic’s bullet header just after the hour mark. Therese Kinnevey sealed the points with the fourth, tapping in at the back post after Russell had created more havoc.
The mix of goal scorers - and the second half introduction of five subs who have already tasted action this season points to the strength being built.
There will be plenty of respect for a Glentoran side who won the Northern Irish Women’s Premiership last season. They were unlucky themselves not to advance in last season’s All-Island Cup, having been drawn in a tough group with Wexford Youths, Shamrock Rovers and Peamount United.
After falling to Athlone in their opening fixture, the visitors will need a result to keep their chances of progression alive.
United will face a test but they have passed every one so far this season.
There was a vibrant atmosphere last time out in Terryland. There is something special building within and around this team.
Kick-off in Eamonn Deacy Park is at 5.00pm on Saturday, April 20.
