Galway United may have only completed one of 36 games this season, but the manner of the win in Finn Park last Friday has bred real optimism for the season ahead.
Tomorrow night in Eamonn Deacy Park (7.45pm ), the Galway faithful will get their chance to see a United side that started five new signings last week and introduced two more.
New American addition, Vincent Borden, grabbed the headlines with a magnificent brace each side of the break, and manager John Caulfield heaped praise on the new fan favourite.
“He has been improving every week. We thought he had another level in him and he proved that on Friday night,” said Caulfield.
However, it was the team performance that most pleased him.
"We were under no illusions going up there. Conditions were difficult with the swirling wind and rain. The pitch cut-up very heavy, but from my point of view we gave a very controlled performance. We played some excellent football and dominated the game."
For all that control, Harps’ challenge was kept on life support when referee David Dunne awarded the home side a highly controversial penalty before the break.
Caulfield, assisted by Ollie Horgan, has prioritised experience in his off-season signings with all having premier division experience. Perhaps this told in the second half when they re-asserted their dominance and closed an important game out.
Tomorrow's game will be no less important as a number of Treaty United players will be returning home to Galway full of motivation. Former United stalwarts Enda Curran and Marc Ludden, to name just two, seem to save their best for the United games.
"We know it's a real local derby. There is a strong Galway influence in the Treaty team. Marc, Enda, Conor Winn, Conor Barry and Stephen Christopher all start for them. They are well organised. Defensively, they are very strong. You have to try to break them down, but they are very good on the counter-attack and set-pieces," says Caufield.
The challenge on Friday is therefore well understood from a side that held United twice last season. In the words of the manager, "We need to bright. We need to be at our best. It's the first home game and it's a big night for our supporters at home."
A strong and vocal home backing would be a great foundation tomorrow and throughout the season. Supporters group, The Maroon Army, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this season and aims to create a colourful and vibrant atmosphere.
If a raucous home support can be generated, allied to more performances and wins like Friday last, Eamonn Deacy Park might no longer be the happy hunting ground for opposing teams it has so long been.
