A sting still lingers from the conclusion of last Friday night’s opening game in Eamonn Deacy Park. United were bright and brave but didn’t get the rub of the green. Instead, Drogheda whisked away all three points thanks to an injury-time winner.
There was a rare consensus around Woodquay after the game. Most were pleasantly surprised by the performance but downbeat because of what felt like a damaging result.
There was much positivity around the new arrivals. Arthur Parker has quality on the right and was desperately unlucky not to have a goal. Lee Devitt was industrious on the left and provided some good deliveries.
Wasiri Williams was a central figure, making last-ditch tackles, rattling the crossbar and rattling a few Drogheda players. Many were impressed with Gianfranco Facchineri’s poise on the ball.
Up front, Francely Lomboto was impressive in attack. He ran the channels well and caused some problems. There are high hopes for Kris Twardek who came on as a sub.
Against this, the critics of the business and the style remain. However, the 3,000 plus that showed up and gave great backing know that this game was high on action and entertainment. The stats show that United shaded the contest and created plenty of chances.
United’s inability to convert however is the concern that has lingered throughout the week. John Caulfield hinted at a concern for goals in pre-season.
Once he gets over the initial disappointment, he has plenty of scope for positivity. United matched up very well with a physical side.
But United are already on the backfoot. United have lost ground at home to one of their nearest rivals.
It doesn’t get easier on Friday. In Lansdowne Road last Sunday, Pat’s fielded a familiar XI, with only Ryan Edmonson making a full debut. However, they do have additional quality to call upon with Darragh Nugent, Ronan Boyce and Glory Nzingo all making their bows from the bench.
When United have struggled in Inchicore, a lot of the damage was done out wide or with the players of the calibre of Chris Forrester working between the lines. The likes of Elbouzedi (if fit ), Leavy and Palmer will ask plenty of questions of a new defensive line that had four new signings last Friday.
It was a unit that grew into the game, but it is one that will be asked different questions tomorrow night. Killian Brouder looked to lead the line from the middle, and he will need to be vocal again.
As good as United were last week, one factor which didn’t draw sufficient attention was the disparity in the strength of options Kevin Doherty had over his opposite number.
Warren Davis, Ryan Brennan and Jago Godden all made telling contributions. The latter two worked the winner. United look like they will be overmatched in this department for most of the season.
Though it was only one game, there was much to glean from last week. United showed they were up for the fight and suggested they have enough about them to be competitive. It also reminded that the league is unforgiving and that the standards are rising.
If United can continue to dictate the terms of engagement, the luck should follow. Maybe for the first, but certainly not the last time this season, they will be up against it. They should get every backing.
