Galway United might have lost two games on the spin for the first time this season, but the mid-season report should still read favourably. This will particularly be the case if they can get a positive result against Drogheda in Eamonn Deacy Park tonight - in a game of growing significance.
Drogheda are ensnared in a relegation dogfight with their neighbours, Dundalk. Indeed, Kevin Doherty’s side had hit the bottom for the first time this season before a creditable draw against St. Pat’s on Friday.
Galway United have a game in hand and 11 points to insulate them from the drama in the doldrums. A win tonight and they would pull far enough clear for the focus to remain upwards for the second half of the season.
Nonetheless, there might be slight concern after their reversal in Derry last Friday. It had been a common refrain from management that United have been competitive in nearly every game this season. The only exception had been the 2-0 loss to Bohemians on the Monday after their win at the Brandywell in late March.
The loss to the Candystripes, only the second by more than an odd goal, might also represent the second exception. United were eventually outclassed by a side hitting their stride as genuine title contenders. The tone was set early, Brendan Clarke making an impressive double save from Patrick Hoban and Will Patching in the first minute. He denied them both again brilliantly before the break.
Both players would eventually get the better of him. Michael Duffy, who had been until then contained by a characteristically stubborn United defence, got to the by-line and Patching provided a classy finish for 1-0 in the 65th minute.
Hoban made sure of the points, getting on the end of a cross from the right for a goal that would have slightly disappointed the visitors who are still the stingiest defence in the country.
A good shift had been put in up to that point on a difficult surface, and there would not have many recriminations on the long journey home. It is apparent that a small playing pool has carried a lot of water in recent weeks.
The starting line-up for the last six games has come from within the same group of 13 players. It is a fact that might tempt management into the market for some squad reinforcements in the transfer window.
More immediately, there will still be a reliance on a squad that has been more than competitive in the Premier Division. Their recent form in Terryland provides some succour to supporters. A sterling away record initially propelled United up the table but they are unbeaten in their last four at home, a run that has included big wins against Shelbourne and Dundalk.
For their part, Drogheda have failed to win away all season. They did manage a draw on their last trip to Galway and will feel under pressure to go one better to keep pace with Dundalk’s resurgence under Jon Daly.
On a rare Thursday outing, United will hope to sign off in style and keep fans’ focus on the lofty dreams of more mid-week football next season.
