Galway United Women have an awkward assignment this Saturday, as they entertain Shamrock Rovers in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division in Eamonn Deacy Park (Kick-off 5pm ).
The awkwardness owes to this being the first of two meetings in a week between the sides, the second of which is the Avenir Sports All-Island Cup in Tallaght the following Saturday.
With United and Rovers lying 5th and 8th respectively in the league, one might expect the cup final to be at the forefront of their thoughts as they prepare for league action.
After a fantastic start, United’s season has somewhat derailed despite their progress in that competition. Indeed, the sides last meeting in Tallaght in May is the last time United tasted victory in the league.
Last Saturday represented another disappointing chapter as United bowed out of the FAI Cup at the hands of a formidable Shelbourne side in Terryland. Manager Phil Trill usually manages to retain the positives in adversity, but he conceded his disappointment at full-time.
Trill said: “We didn’t deserve to win. We were really poor in the first half, probably the worst performance I have ever seen from us. It forced us into three changes at half-time. It was probably unfair on some of the players to come off but we needed changes. We probably could have taken off eight or nine.”
The changes referenced do indicate a positive as United were improved in the second until they were undone by a wonder-strike by Eadbha O’ Mahony in the 75th minute.
The quality that Trill was able to introduce at half-time in the form of Aislinn Meaney, Jamie Erickson and Kate Thompson augurs well for there being a reaction as the season continues. Meaney’s spectacular curler from the edge of the area spoke to the quality she possesses. Lynsey McKey remained in reserve also.
Given the talent at either manager’s disposal, it will be interesting to see how they treat this tie. There were four changes in the starting XI for United against Shels from the team that beat Wexford in the All-Island Cup Semi-Final.
That team in turn, had four changes from the side that were beaten by Bohs in the previous game. Some changes were enforced, but others emphasise the competition for places that management have been keen to foster.
It seems fair therefore to expect further changes given the context of upcoming games and recent results. Nonetheless, a performance to provide confidence for next Saturday’s televised final must be high among the competing priorities.
Despite recent reversals, anyone lucky enough to have been at the Wexford game will understand that there remains a highly capable team with a huge chance of retaining national honours. Saturday can help to lay further foundations for that dream.
