They were unable to overturn an early deficit after a good goal from Josh Fitzpatrick in the 5th minute.
Management had made many changes to try to elicit a reaction. Brendan Clarke returned to goals. Garry Buckley returned at the back at the expense of Greg Cunningham. Colm Horgan took up an unexpected role in midfield. Jimmy Keohane started his first game since April. Dara McGuinness started up front after an impressive debut. Patrick Hickey got the second half. There was even a change of formation.
Yet, it all accounted for little as United succumbed to their fourth league defeat on the trot, the second time they have hit this unwanted milestone this season.
The only respite to arrive was that the gallop of Sligo was halted with a home defeat last Saturday. It currently feels as if the sides are in a straight shootout to avoid the relegation playoff, even if Cork and Waterford are not entirely out of it at either end of the conversation.
United’s focus will entirely be on their own struggles, but the calendar is not kind to them. On Sunday, they entertain Shamrock Rovers, who must sandwich this game in between two crucial games against Kosovan side Ballkani, to whom they travel tonight. Larne will attest to it not being a hospitable venue, after their fiery encounter last season.
Rovers also have the comfort of a 10-point lead at the top of the table after a win last week over Derry. These facts combined suggest that Stephen Bradley might shuffle his pack for the trip Sunday.
That is where the good news ends. Bradley has built a squad capable of fighting on both fronts. The expectation that they can turn out two quite different eleven’s capable of competing indicates the standards that Bradley has set. With other personalities and stories often enrapturing, perhaps they do not get the genuflection they deserve.
The statistics are staggering. Rovers are on course for their fifth title in six years. Bradley has brought them to the group stages in Europe twice and they are in the hunt for a third. Qualifying for the knockout phase last season was a monumental achievement.
They have driven standards and brought the level of player in the league to a new pantheon. Jack Byrne and Graham Burke exist on a different plane. Maybe most impressive of all, a hallmark of the true elite, has been the reinvention managed. Michael Noonan, Corey O’ Sullivan and Victor Ozhianvuna are sensational teenage prospects and have contributed handsomely this season. Josh Honohan, Dylan Watts and Matt Healy are among a core of new leaders. At the back, Pico Lopes, Lee Grace and Dan Cleary continue to dominate.
Cynics might point to the resources at their disposal as the sole reason for their supremacy. This ignores everything they have achieved to contribute to their own success, winning domestically and in Europe. It also takes no heed of the experiences of the pack trying to catch them. The likes of Derry, Shels and St Pat’s have all invested significantly in the last couple of seasons but remain a distance behind.
United may be down but they are not out
United’s record does not offer much hope of victory, but they have been competitive in the last two seasons and managed a draw last time out in Tallaght. There are problems around form, confidence and the mood around the club.
However, amidst this maelstrom, United can turn in a performance.
There is defiance and grit among the squad and staff. They will know they are being questioned and the criticism will be hurting. They will know they need to thunder into the game on Sunday and lift Eamonn Deacy Park.
They can tighten up at the back. Clarke, Slevin, Buckley can marshal the troops there. Hickey’s omnipresence in midfield can tilt the contest. The likes of Keohane and Esua can offer a flash of quality to turn a game. Whatever happens, Walshy will terrorise up top.
Hope might be fading in some quarters and that is recognised. Criticism may be ringing and that can be understood. But in times like these, sometimes some faith is required.
The bulk of this side has delivered before, eviscerating the First Division in 2023 and over-achieving last season. They are on the canvas currently but have enough about them to pull themselves back up.
They need only look up at the name above the clubhouse for their cue.
