After last Sunday’s draw with Armagh, Galway must now play Monaghan in the preliminary quarter final this weekend.
Galway were hoping for a win but they will at least have a home venue for the game. Due to their second place finish in group 1, the game will be played in Pearse Stadium this Saturday with throw-in at 4pm.
Galway were dealt with more injury worries on Sunday afternoon as both Seán Mulkerrin and Céin D’Arcy had to leave the field in the second half. Both will now struggle to regain fitness for the weekend. Galway were however able to welcome back Seán Kelly and Rob Finnerty - and despite not being able to finish the game both appeared injury free when leaving the pitch.
One prerogative for Padraic Joyce's men is to kill off their opposition, as they let a 5 point lead slip against Armagh. Individual and team errors loosened the kind of lead that was similarly almost lost against Derry. Thankfully for Galway, Céin D’Arcy’s late goal ensured the win.
This is now knockout football, and teams have no more second chances. Galway must put a Monaghan side to the sword that have been very poor since winning their opening league game against Dublin in January.
Vinnie Corey’s team have historically been hard to beat when their backs are against the wall. Yet despite winning their first game since January last Sunday they were neither convincing nor comprehensive in their 3 point defeat of Meath. Galway must put them away early and not allow the Farney men a sniff of a chance in this game.
Galway dropped a number of shots short and missed some scorable opportunities when the game was in the mix against Armagh. To beat Monaghan they will need to cut out these errors and put pressure on Rory Beggan’s kick out.
The Tribesmen also have a habit of stepping off the kick out once they go ahead. Galway’s press this year has been effective when it is done continuously. Against a struggling side and a keeper who has played very little football - this is a facet of their game which could lay down a marker and worry whatever teams are left in the competition.
Galway have been struggling without the impact of Damien Comer’s direct running. The Annaghdown star has managed to play just three times this year, only playing the full 70 minutes on one occasion. Every team he plays against struggles with him as his link up play and vision have much improved over recent seasons.
A fit Comer would be a huge boost for Galway - but some parts of his game could be replicated by the likes of Matthew Tierney or Cillian McDaid put in front of goal for periods of the game.
With four preliminary games being played this weekend there will be none broadcast live on TV.
On Saturday GAAGO will show Galway v Monaghan (4pm ), Tyrone v Roscommon (5pm ) and Mayo v Derry (6.30pm ). On Sunday, Louth v Cork will be shown at 3pm.
