The spotlight of the television cameras will once again be trained on Galway United this Saturday in Wexford, as TG4 will air a critical league game between United and Wexford.
There has been plenty of spice between the sides this season. Wexford inflicted a damaging defeat on United in a physical encounter in Eamonn Deacy Park in June.
United had looked like they had snatched it when Jenna Slattery netted late on. However, they were stung by two late goals from the visitors.
This was the first defeat of the campaign, and it was quickly followed by another two losses in the league that undermined a terrific start by Trill’s team.
If this defeat derailed the season, it might be said that the win against the same side in semi-final of the All-Island Cup got it back on track. It was far from smooth sailing, however.
After being the better side, again United surrendered a lead late on, this time a two-goal advantage. They needed penalties to get over the line, Jamie Erickson finishing the final pen before repeating the feat in the final.
Although there was a cup defeat to Shelbourne after this, United have subsequently won four on the bounce to catapult themselves into contention.
The latest of which came against Sligo Rovers, a side against whom they have struggled despite the disparity in league positions. Saturday proved no different as United just about did enough against a gutsy opposition.
Emma Doherty notched the winner against her old side. After some early Sligo pressure, United went one-up in the 17thminute. As she had done the week previous, Julie-Ann Russell turned the opposition over in their own box. She squared to Emma Doherty whose shot was well-saved but Amanda Smith powered home the rebound.
This goal was then cancelled out by a Paula McGrory penalty. Emma Doherty got the winner early in the second half after an exquisite assist by Amy Madden. United had a plethora of chances to seal the points but Amber Hardy was in rare form to keep the home team at bay.
A 2-1 win was more than sufficient to keep pace at the top as rivals Shelbourne were held by their neighbours Bohemians to offer more encouragement to the Galway girls.
After last night’s home game against Treaty, United are on the road three times in succession. The toughest test is undoubtedly in the south-east. Trips to Cork and DLR Waves appear easier on paper but it the congestion of fixtures is unfortunate.
In such a spread-out season, with only 20 league games, it feels unfair that United would be on the road three times in seven days. If they can successfully navigate these trips, they have a real chance as they host Shels and Athlone at the end of the season.
Should they turn out to be title deciders, those games would be sure to capture the imagination of the public and provide a massive platform for an outstanding group.
