Galway United renew rivalries in the RSC tomorrow night with Waterford in a game that will have a large say in the Tribesmen’s European ambitions.
It has been a hectic week and a half for Galway United, one in which, they have lost won and drawn.
The highlight of a sensational season was undoubtedly last Friday when United humbled league leaders Shelbourne in a swashbuckling performance. The bond between supporters and squad is becoming stronger by the week. Some harken back to the halcyon days of the Glenina season to put some context on their esteem for this team.
However, there were reality checks either side of that night. A tough loss against Shamrock Rovers on the previous Monday helped to catapult the champions up the table where they appear formiddable in third.
This Monday, United were the better side in Drogheda but couldn’t come out on top of a dour contest. Patrick Hickey was once again a focal point in attack in a changed formation. He came closest with a header off the post in the first half.
Killian Brouder had a header of his own in the second half that spun wide. Those were the chances United would rue as a 0-0 stalemate survived.
Nonetheless, it was enough to move United back into 4th, ahead of Sligo on goal difference only. It is an interesting quirk of the calendar that in the five games remaining, United only face sides below them.
That statistic might underplay the difficulty that lies ahead. True, United have enjoyed the better of their recent jousts with Waterford, but this may serve as added motivation for Keith Long’s side. Since their playoff win in Markets Fields, Waterford haven’t won any of their last 7 against United, losing 5 of them.
Moreover, since the latest of these defeats, Waterford have lost five of their last seven league games. 3 points in arrears with 5 games to go, another defeat feels like it would be fatal to their European aspirations.
United will get a week after their trip to Waterford to prepare for the visit of Dundalk. Regardless of what happens this week, it will be a massive match for each. Were United to complete a clean sweep over the Louth side, it would probably be enough to effectively relegate the storied club.
There are then ties against St. Pat’s, Sligo and Bohemians to navigate that will provide plenty of problems and plots. However, the demeanour of the players and staff reassures that there is no navel-gazing ongoing, and focus remains on the present.
Monday saw a rare change of shape, with John Caulfield and his coaching staff opting for three centre-backs and Patrick Hickey closer to Stephen Walsh to support him.
There was a re-jig in personnel also as Rob Slevin was welcomed back into the fold and he again gave an assured performance. David Hurley too let no one down on his return and was a threat from set-pieces. Francely Lomboto tasted his first league action since July and his pace posed problems in behind the Drogheda defence.
After missing out on Monday, Ed McCarthy and Jeannot Esua should be in contention again for Friday. Such has been McCarthy’s consistency, he had started every league game this season up to that point. After picking up a knock against Rovers, it was heartening to see Esua take a place on the bench. His pace and power could prove pivotal against Waterford’s tricky wingers.
United have matched up well with Waterford and will take the trip in confidence. The competition is still fierce and theoretically, United could end the night anywhere between 3rd and 6th. The sights of supporters still remain fixed upward.
