There are plenty of sub-plots to enhance an already important league game this Sunday afternoon when Galway United host St. Patrick’s Athletic (Kick-off 3pm ).
The game goes ahead despite the protestations of Pat’s manager Stephen Kenny who went public on Sunday with his pleas for a postponement.
The Inchicore side face Sabah FK tonight before travelling to Azerbaijan for the return leg of the Conference League qualifier this day week.
Kenny went public on Monday with his pleas to the FAI and United for a postponement on the basis of travel demands. Both held their ground.
The context adds some spice to the renewal of rivalries with his touchline nemesis from his last stint in the league, John Caulfield. The pair clashed regularly when over Dundalk and Cork City in the 2010s and it will be a treat for Galway fans to watch these giants of the domestic game do battle on the touchline.
The same fans will carry some of their own grievances into the game. Al-Amin Kazeem makes his return to Eamonn Deacy Park after a successful loan spell that ended controversially. The full-back opted to make a midseason move to St.Pat’s, who have spent heavily in the recruitment of Kenny and since.
Yet all of this is subservient to the reality of the league table. Despite the capture of Joseph Anang, Kazeem, Aidan Keena and Zach Elbouzedi, Kenny’s side are six behind United with a game more played.
They look to have enough breathing space over Dundalk after a controversial win over Sligo on Sunday, but nonetheless, it represents a major underperformance for a team equipped to compete at the top.
United, meanwhile remain deadlocked with Shamrock Rovers, Sligo and Waterford on 37 points in a fierce battle between third and sixth. Last Friday’s 2-0 win over Dundalk, their third consecutive win over the Lilywhites by the same scoreline, should breathe new life to the campaign.
It was a stunning second half display, with United dominant and unlucky not to score more. Patrick Hickey added to his growing reputation with another all-action display in midfield. Stephen Walsh’s stock could scarcely grow any higher and yet two headers in Oriel Park did him and his side great service.
Greg Cunningham got another ten minutes, and the Galway public will be anxious to get their first glimpse of their returned hero. They might have to wait some time on Sunday afternoon however, as Bobby Burns excelled at left-back and had his best outing in maroon in Louth.
David Hurley was another to impress coming off the bench while Vince Borden started his first game since May and gave it his all as he always does.
Whatever the European permutations, the strength of the squad seems to be at a higher level than any under Caulfield’s tenure. It is why players, staff and supporters will carry confidence into a tie with the only team in the division that they have failed to get a result from this season. If it comes to pass, there will be plenty of additives to make it even sweeter in Galway.
