A string of interesting sub plots ensure tomorrow’s Terryland Park encounter between Galway United and Sligo Rovers ought to be tasty. The shock table toppers against the surprise basement boys, Alan Keane’s return to the ground in which he served with distinction, and the television cameras in attendance will ensure intrigue is attached to the affair.
With both teams understrength anything could occur, and a typically passionate Sligo following will flock to the banks of the Corrib to see whether a revitalised Galway are capable of becoming the province’s standard bearers. Traditionally Sligo have been cannier operators, but Galway are cheered by their satisfying seven points, and promising midfielder Cian McBrien is relishing the opportunity to be involved. "It is a big one, a big Connacht derby for the fans. Hopefully we can win that, and it would be brilliant to finish ahead of Sligo in the league table at the end of the year.
"I am delighted to get three games in a row, I just have to keep going, and keep working hard. The gaffer gives everyone a chance if you keep working hard, and if you do that you stay in the team. The competition is stiff, and everyone tries to work hard in training.”
And having quietly stitched a three match sequence together Ian Foster is expected to continue his policy of permitting his midfielders to pour forward in support of lone central striker Vinny Faherty. Foster altered his tactics a tad in the second period at the Carlisle Grounds when introducing the blistering Shane Fitzgerald and Alan Murphy.
With skipper Jay O’Shea on Republic of Ireland under 21 duty at the Waterford RSC Foster will be forced to make a change in personnel with Fitzgerald the likely replacement.
Foster is a firm believer in the innovative system that has seen Galway make such a bold and daring start acknowledging that Fitzgerald came within a whisker of crowing his debut against Bray Wanderers with a goal. "If it ain't broke don't fix it. The lads have worked really hard and they are in there on merit. It is the kind of formation that we can play against most teams in the division.
"Shane was unfortunate not to score. You can see how quick the boy is and he is one to look out for, he is very good going forward, and he will be a great addition for us.”
The locals will hope that sufficient possession can be directed in the Dubliner’s right flank zone. That is why the midfield combat carries significance as Sligo will be prompted by Conor O’Grady, who frequently reserves dynamic displays for these derbies. O’Grady’s willingness to graft and admirable attitude has been a salient feature in Sligo flaring to prominence so much will hinge on the impact Sean Kelly, Cian McBrien, and Michael McGrath can make. Foster is expecting another awkward assignment. "Bray were desperate for the three points at home and they made us work hard, and we knew that would be the case. They didn't shock us or anything, we knew it would be a tough game.
"They are all big games. I have seen Sligo in pre-season, they didn't get into Europe by accident, they pass the ball, they are well organised, and it will be a difficult game for us.”
Sligo’s cause is scarcely helped by the absence of Raf Cretaro (suspended ), Mauro Almeida (injured ), and Romauld Boco (international duty with Benin ), and Galway will be anxious to exploit this.
Still there is enough craft sprinkled around the Sligo team, and Galway know that a high octane display will be required. Sligo are rarely accommodating opponents, and a lively scrap is anticipated under the Friday night Dyke Road lights.
