Galway United travel to Tallaght with ten games to go in the season. Their league safety is secure while the hunt for European football is still on.
After the disappointment of the narrow cup exit in Tolka Park last Friday, it is worth taking stock of the scenario that would have surpassed all pre-season expectations.
Sunday’s game is another to be moved on United’s calendar, owing to the strength of the Irish sides in Europe this season, with both Rovers and Pat’s in European playoff action.
Sandwiched in between Rovers’ trip to Thessaloniki, and the return leg against PAOK, this tie presents United with something of an opportunity to face the champions while they might be preoccupied.
However, with four sides, including Sunday’s opponents, jousting for European positions and a strengthened Pat’s lurking behind, it is a game that must be treated with the utmost respect.
United have already remedied a shocking record of 21 losses in a row against Rovers, with a draw on their last trip to Tallaght.
Rovers own league form has been patchy to say the least. Wins over Dundalk and Waterford seemed to steady the ship, but a draw at home to Drogheda dulled their momentum.
Yet, in Europe they have been superb and their triumph over Celje to secure advancement to the group stages of the Europa Conference League at least emphasised the quality they possess.
It is a guessing game as to how they might line out in the wake of tonight’s game in Greece. However, the quality and depth at their disposal should be remembered. Stephen Bradley will certainly field a side he deems capable of winning.
John Caulfield will do likewise and his preferred eleven is starting to take on some shape. Naming an unchanged side is not something that management have not often had the luxury of doing throughout the season.
United have had a long week to dust themselves down after the disappointment of their penalty exit. When studying the tape, they will be happy with how they limited the league leaders’ chances even when they had some control in the second half.
United had the ball in the net twice as the game approached full-time. Both of which were ruled out for offside. The first of these decisions was controversial as Garry Buckley headed a David Hurley delivery in. Greg Cunningham was flagged for offside but he didn’t appear to touch the ball.
In extra-time, Shels had a moment of class to go ahead, with Irish international Aiden O’ Brien finishing a fine move. But United were brave in their response and when Jimmy Keohane smashed an emphatic volley home, there could be few complaints that they were worthy of at least a draw on the night.
The spot-kicks were all dispatched well until Buckley was unfortunate to flash his over the bar. Nonetheless, the travelling support was quick to acknowledge a gutsy performance which has become a hallmark of this group.
Should they show the same composure and fight on Sunday, they will be right in the game again.
