A win last Saturday against Peamount has kept Galway United’s magnificent season very much alive. Although nine points behind leaders Athlone, they have two games in hand, with eight remaining in total.
The win was perhaps the pick of their performances this campaign. They dismantled the champions to re-establish their credentials as contenders.
Julie-Ann Russell and Emma Doherty were at the tip of the spear. Their partnership was at the heart of all things positive about United and led directly to the first two goals.
Doherty harried the visitors early, who dawdled in possession. Russell pressed too, nipped in to steal the ball, rounded the ‘keeper with aplomb and coolly slotted home for an invaluable early lead in the 13th minute.
Their second was as good a goal as has been scored all season in Eamonn Deacy Park and beyond. Isabella Beletic, who turned in another commanding and assured performance, launched a pinpoint pass of 50 yards.
Doherty controlled well and drove down the right. She drilled in a cross that Russell met sweetly on the volley at the near post. The ball had smashed the top corner of the net before Niamh Reid Burke could react.
The points were put beyond doubt when the third arrived in the 56th minute. Jessica Berlin pumped the ball long. Russell gathered and jinked her way down the left before getting a good cross in. Doherty hit it on the half turn but was well blocked. Kate Thompson, continuing her rich vein of form, followed up on the loose ball and fizzed it back in. Doherty wouldn’t be denied twice and got the goal her game deserved.
They now face two of the bottom three in the next two weeks at home. Two victories feel crucial to maintain their interest.
Although Sligo are in a rut at the foot of the league, losing seven on the bounce, they have made it all the way to the semi-finals of the FAI Cup. Moreover, there were two difficult ties in the Showgrounds already this season.
Rola Olusola bagged a brace to give Phil Trill’s side their first win in the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup, setting them on their path to glory. The following week, there was an almighty battle in the league, United eventually emerging with a 3-2 win.
They had led twice before being pegged back each time. A late Jenna Slattery penalty sealed the win in a physical encounter, where four Sligo players earned yellows. On the score sheet that night for the Bit O’ Red was Emma Doherty, who has since switched to maroon to considerable effect.
Her and her teammates should enter Saturday’s 5pm kick-off with significant confidence, but mindful not to underestimate a Sligo side who have caused plenty of problems. They will play twice before Athlone play again, making up a back fixture against Treaty next Wednesday (also at home ).
They could be right back in the hunt this day week.
