An awkward away assignment against Bluebell United awaits for Galway United on Sunday afternoon with manager John Caulfield expecting a stern test at Tolka Park (3pm ).
A highly regarded Bluebell outfit, sprinkled with decorated former SSE Airtricity League players, will be eager to cause an upset. United boss Caulfield is fully aware of the need to be firmly focused ahead of this tricky tussle.
"It is a free hit for them, they have a lot of guys that are ex League of Ireland players," Caulfield says. "They always then like to have a cut off League of Ireland teams. If you don't prepare well, if you are not up for the game you are going to lose. It is about delivering on the day, Bluebell historically are a huge club in non league football."
Ultimately it means Bluebell have the ability to cause the visitors' significant problems according to Caulfield. "They have Killian Brennan signed, Glen McAuley, who was with Athlone, he played against us last week, James O'Brien was with a number of League of Ireland clubs," Caulfield adds.
"We know a bit about them, Bocker [Robert] Bayly was with Shamrock Rovers, Bobby Ryan is in the management team. So they have a lot of experience in the league. When you go to a venue when you are playing a non league team in the cup if you're not on your game you won't win. They will be throwing everything at us so we have to make sure we are ready for the day."
On Friday at Lissywollen United absorbed a passionate Athlone Town performance before eventually earning the full complement of spoils. Rob Manley had steered United into a first half lead, but Athlone's Andy Spain levelled in the 87th minute.
Suddenly United were under duress, but substitutes Francely Lomboto and Manu Dimas replied with critical goals. Caulfield was satisfied that United's resilience was evident in the closing stages. "Obviously we knew it was going to be a difficult game," he says. "We were in control of the game in the first half, we had opportunities to get a second goal, but we didn't.
"When you are in a game with only one goal in it there is always a danger you might concede. We did with a couple of minutes to go, but the team showed great character in the last four minutes to turn it around by getting two late goals. We were happy to get out with the three points."
Dimas crafted an opening for Lomboto to drill a splendid goal before sealing the deal in stoppage time. "He did brilliantly, they all made a big impact coming off the bench," Caulfield remarked about Dimas' cameo when the issue was delicately poised.
"Dimas took a brilliant touch to play a clever ball in for Francely, who had a brilliant finish. Then Dimas getting the goal himself, he made a massive contribution. All of the subs did, thankfully this season that has been the case. Players coming off the bench have made an impact most weeks - that is what you need."
