Games between Galway United and Waterford over the last number of seasons have proven decisive in the battle for promotion, safety and even had a fleeting bearing on the European race last season.
Even though there are only five games played, it can’t be ignored that this game is a top of the table tie. Both sides have continued to confound expectations this season.
United enter the game unbeaten, but two points behind Keith Long’s side who have been beaten twice, but recorded impressive wins in Sligo, Derry and at home to Cork.
The difficulty that the sides share is that everyone bar Derry and Shamrock Rovers have had positive results and so there is little to no cushion gained from their early exploits.
Despite Derry’s difficult start, United’s trip to the Brandywell proved a tricky assignment last Friday. Although they were disappointed with the concession of a penalty, John Caulfield’s side will have been pleased with a point.
They struggled at times in the first half and could have conceded were the Candystripes more clinical. Highly regarded youngster Evan Watts made it through his debut in goals unscathed, powerless to prevent Michael Duffy’s expertly taken penalty.
Garry Buckley made a welcome return to the heart of the defence. Bobby Burns turned in a battling performance at left wing-back. Cian Byrne continues to impress out of position.
Moses Dyer was entrusted with leading the line and showed quality and grit in equal measure, holding the ball up well, battling gamely and tucking away a rare chance.
There was impact off the bench too, with Jimmy Keohane, Regan Donelon and David Hurley all clocking up significant minutes in the second half. Hurley in particular caught the eye upon his introduction, offering composure in midfield.
These positives masked the absence of Brendan Clarke and Greg Cunningham, two members of the leadership group that will be difficult to replace in the more medium-term. The continued absence of Conor McCormack leaves a gap in the squad.
Despite their solid start, Waterford will enter the game smarting from a 3-0 loss at home to Bohemians. They have won their two games on the road so far and will fancy themselves to right a dismal run against United. They took only one point from four games in each of the last two seasons.
United’s practical management team would be quick to consign that statistic to history. However, repeating that feat this year would go a long way to ensuring a successful season.
As positive as this season has been, there has arguably only been one complete performance, at home to St Patrick’s Athletic. As impressive as it has been to go undefeated in the first five, it will be necessary to get some wins on the board.
Tomorrow night is an opportunity. Despite the table looking upside down, United still have to monitor and match the teams they thought would be their immediate competitors at the start of the season.
It is late April until they host another of these teams. It is another big one in Eamonn Deacy Park.
