As the start of the SSE Airtricity League season edges closer Galway United will host Damien Duff’s Shelbourne at Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday evening (6pm ).
John Caulfield is delighted that his squad and a number of trialists will get a further opportunity to impress. “We will have another hard week of training and then we are playing Shels on Saturday night at EDP which will be a great chance for our supporters to come out, to see us,” Caulfield says.
"The most important thing is to work hard during the week and hopefully by the time we get to play Shels we will have improved a bit more too."
United were expected to play Corrib Celtic on Sunday, but that game will now take place on February 20.
Francely Lomboto scored in a 1-0 win over Finn Harps in Ballinderreen and Caulfield was pleased with United’s display. “We are very happy, you have a game there where we are after a week's training,” Caulfield says.
“We trained every day in the week, we gave 45 minutes to a few trialists and a few new players. Overall we are happy because everyone got at least 45 minutes. We created a few chances in the first half, we missed a penalty, the second half was more of an even match, but overall for our first pre-season game we are happy enough.
"We are very grateful to everyone in Ballinderreen, especially John Fawl and all of the pitch committee, who were assisted by Noel Connolly."
Lomboto’s goalscoring return was the chief talking point with Caulfield hopeful the former Galway Hibernians attacker can enjoy a productive campaign.
“It is his first game back since he broke a leg, so it is great,” Caulfield adds. “The ball broke in the box, typical poacher he poked it home. It is great for him and obviously we are expecting big things from him this season coming back from the injury.
“He looks in great condition. Obviously over the next six weeks we hope to get him ready for the start of the season.”
**Listen to the full interview with Galway United manager John Caulfield on this week's 'Cian on Sport' podcast available on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple podcasts.
