Galway United travel to Dundalk on Friday night, needing a win to keep pace with those above them and keep those below at bay.
It was a disappointing outcome last Saturday night when a Wilson Waweru volley and a late Luke Pearce strike sealed the points for Sligo at the Showgrounds.
There will have been frustration for United, who gave away the corner in the build-up to the first cheaply, and struggled to create openings to force their way back into the game.
Moreover, they had already conceded some big chances, with Ellis Chapman and Simon Power both missing with headers.
Nonetheless, there was no lack of industry from the visitors who pumped plenty of crosses in the box that Sligo dealt with well overall.
Tomorrow’s trip to the Wee County represents a chance to bounce back against a side that is improving but remains rooted in a relegation battle.
One point of intrigue is that Aodh Dervin will likely line out for the Lilywhites after impressing in maroon early in the season.
In truth, Dundalk are somewhat of an unknown quantity as manager Jon Daly has overhauled his squad. Dervin was just one of five summer signings that started against Bohemians in last week’s 1-1 draw.
Goalkeeper Felix Goodard arrived on loan from Blackburn Rovers to address the issues they had been having between the sticks. Midfielder Scott McGill has come from Raith Rovers, a product of Daly’s extensive knowledge of the Scottish game.
Bobby Faulkner is a centre-half picked up from Doncaster with football league experience, while right-back Dan Pike also operated at league two level last season with Tranmere Rovers.
Therefore, there will be work to do in Galway to prepare for this new iteration of Dundalk. One positive they will take into the tie is the strengthened squad that travelled to Sligo.
Stephen Walsh returned up front, Greg Cunningham made his debut, tasting twenty minutes off the bench. Rob Slevin, one of United’s standout performers this season, was only on the bench. Likewise, Colm Horgan was available after an impressive outing against Longford.
Since the side’s last meeting - a comfortable 2-0 win for United in Eamonn Deacy Park - it has been Dundalk who have enjoyed the better league run, amassing 11 points in eight games, compared to United’s seven in seven.
There is therefore little scope to take the Oriel Park side lightly. United have got the nod from the bookies but there is likely to be little between the sides in another finely poised Premier Division match-up.
