It has already been a memorable campaign for Galway United, who now mix it with the best on a weekly basis.
However, last Sunday’s draw in Tallaght, as well as their penalty defeat the week previous in Tolka Park, is tinged with some regret. Ahead in the 88th minute, it is always disappointing to concede, particularly in the context of an historic win that would have bridged a 33-year gap.
John Caulfield will have been more concerned with the impacts these results have on the season. He and Ollie Horgan have demurred on the talk of Europe throughout the season, preferring to point out the distance already travelled.
Yet, a bizarre round of results last weekend, with Sligo shipping seven in Drogheda, shows that there are two slots still up for grabs in the top four.
A point separates third from sixth currently. The expectation is always that Shamrock Rovers will pull through for third, but they are leaving their run late even by their own standards.
Another salient factor in the permutation is that fourth is often sufficient when the FAI Cup winner comes from the top three. Unhelpfully, only Derry and Shels remain in contention out of the top six, and they have been paired in the quarter-finals.
As such, United entertain the Candystripes tomorrow night in a game of high significance for both. Ruaidhrí Higgins’ side have wrested back top spot after a Shels collapse that has seen them winless in four.
Outside of a reversal against their bogey-side Sligo in early July, Derry haven’t tasted defeat in their last 11. There have been a couple of disappointing draws against Dundalk but overall Derry are the team to beat currently. They are indeed the bookies' favourite for the league title.
They have added Premier League quality to their squad recently with the capture of Andre Wisdom. He will further bolster a stingy rearguard who have only shipped more than one goal twice since mid-April, both against Sligo. More impressively, they have conceded only once in their last five.
United though, will not lack for belief. The emotional high of the win in the Brandywell this season still carries through. Stephen Walsh launching himself into the away support after scoring the winner is ingrained as one of the iconic images of the season.
More pertinently, United are settled and have named the same side for three games in a row. It is an experienced and tough outfit. It blends six with the experience of last season and five new additions from winter and summer. There is strength and impact off the bench. There is competition to get on the bench.
It is a wonderful time to be a supporter, to travel up the Dyke Road in faith with the league leaders in town. United fans have kept the faith in far leaner times.
