Just four games remain in a remarkable season. Galway United are only five points off the top of the table. Allow that to marinade for a moment but also remember that a finish anywhere between first and seventh is feasible.
A top six finish seems likely after United once again saw off Waterford in a stirring second half display in the south-east. Goals by Stephen Walsh and Killian Brouder capped off a splendid second half. They overcame a calamitous opening ten minutes, that saw United fall behind and concede a penalty that Brendan Clarke saved.
Elsewhere, the top teams have collapsed. United are now a 16/1 shot for the title, having last week been priced up to 100/1. Shelbourne and Derry are both winless in their last three. Shamrock Rovers’ resurgence came to a shuddering halt at home to St.Pat’s
Stephen Kenny’s side are the league’s form team, winning their last 5 on the spin since a draw in Eamonn Deacy Park. They have further complicated the European picture and are now only two points behind United in fifth. The trip to Inchicore in a fortnight will be fateful.
The only thing that feels certain at the moment is that United have to win tomorrow night if they are to achieve something historic. In doing so, they may effectively condemn Dundalk to relegation. Their fate already seems sealed, 8 points adrift of Drogheda with four games left.
Dundalk are winless in their last 9 but have remained competitive during a disastrous spell for the club on and off the field. With the shackles of expectation removed, they may well provide dangerous opposition tomorrow.
Their most significant problems have been in front of goal. They are the only side with less scored than United and have only scored more than one in three outings this season.
United have enjoyed a wonderful record against the Louth side with 3 consecutive wins this season. A statistic that encapsulates the tightness of the league, is that this would only the second clean sweep of the season were it to come off. Derry have been perfect against Waterford, who in turn could secure the maximum against Bohemians in their fourth game.
More pertinently, is a rare chance also to get out in front of the pack, with cup action dictating that Terryland hosts the only game in the division tomorrow night. Should United win, they will go second and only two points behind Shelbourne. The Tribesmen may muscle into the RTÉ graphics yet!
They should enter this game in rare confidence. Last Friday night ranks highly among the magic away nights enjoyed by the Maroon Army. They dominated supposed rivals and likely eliminated them from European contention.
They made two key half-time substitutions to propel them to victory. Jeannot Esua and David Hurley came on at half-time and each made a big impact. They were led throughout, at the front and the back, by Clarke and Walsh, who each made telling contributions. Patrick Hickey was formidable once again.
The impact from the bench and the ability to shuffle the pack will be key for the final four games. There should also be energy from the stands as United find themselves in rare air. After this game, there will only be one more home outing against Sligo Rovers.
Terryland Park on a Friday night hasn’t always been the easiest of sells. It now needs no push. Tomorrow, there will be a unique atmosphere, built on a unique bond between squad and supporter, focused on a unique opportunity for Galway football.
