Eamonn Deacy Park braces itself for its final home game of the season as Galway United take on Drogheda United in what could be a season-defining encounter for the Tribesmen.
Every point matters at this stage of the season. United currently sit in seventh place, level on points with Sligo Rovers in eighth and Waterford in the relegation play-off spot. John Caulfield's side have the advantage of a game in-hand on their relegation-threatened rivals.
That game in-hand is away to Shamrock Rovers next Wednesday. United will be eager to get three points against Drogs this Friday night to take the pressure off going into that stern mid-week test.
Two wins on the bounce has restored confidence, both on the pitch and in the terraces. Last Friday's 2-0 victory over Bohs was a timely statement win. There were big performances all over the park and it is integral that those levels are maintained in these final three games.
It was Bohs who started the brighter, and they had the ball in the United net in the fifth minute, following a Rob Cornwall header. However, referee, Rob Harvey ruled the goal out for a foul in the United box.
Despite the Bohs dominance, it was Caulfield’s charges who broke the deadlock in the 37th minute after a fine Patrick Hickey finish. The 6'6" American latched onto a fine cross by Bobby Burns, as United went in 1-0 up at the break.
Just before the hour mark, United were awarded a penalty following a handball by Niall Morahan in the away side’s penalty area. David Hurley stepped up to take the resulting penalty and he sent Chorazka the wrong way to double the home side’s lead. The home team were comfortable thereafter.
Drogheda are still in the hunt for the European places and will not be short of motivation traveling west. Kevin Doherty's side reached the 50-point mark with two games remaining after a 1-0 win over Cork City last time out. The club are set for their best Premier Division return since 2012.
Doherty's Drogheda side boast one of the best defensive records in the division. United's attackers will have to at the races to break them down. Dara McGuinness has been industrious since his arrival. New record appearance holder Stephen Walsh will be buoyed to have an impact like his match-winning brace against Cork last month.
David Hurley has been a standout in a difficult season for the Tribesmen. Patrick Hickey and Jimmy Keohane are dependable performers. United's backline will have to stay resolute and disciplined in these final fixtures.
All roads lead to Eamonn Deacy Park, under the lights for the final time this season. United have three games to save their season. Every kick matters.
