Galway United will bounce into tomorrow night’s game against Shelbourne after back-to-back wins last week catapulted them up the table into the top half.
They go into the game placed higher than the 2024 champions. More consoling is the daylight they have already created between themselves and Sligo and Waterford at the bottom.
Both of those sides have shown signs of improvement of late. They each earned creditable draws over the weekend against top teams. However, they serve as a fair contrast to highlight just how impressive and important Galway United’s form has been.
Firstly, they took a rare scalp off one of the top five on Friday. In front of a bumper crowd of 4,611 and the TV cameras, United were worth their win. Two stunning goals emphasised the skill that compliments the effort of the team.
David Hurley’s volley off his weaker foot was exceptional. Frantz Pierrot’s winner oozed class.
Previously, United have found the transition from Friday to Monday difficult and have failed to back up these types of performances. History felt like it was repeating itself after 18 minutes in Drogheda.
John Caulfield showed bravery in shuffling his pack. There were six changes to a winning side. It had seemed like too many as his side were undone by two Brandon Kavanagh corners early.
But Francely Lomboto got the goal his early season endeavours had earned after good interplay with Pierrot to haul his side back into it.
United were transformed after the break. Upon his introduction, Stephen Walsh made his presence felt immediately and put Conor Keeley on the back foot.
A telling double substitution on the hour mark will be the other abiding memory. Kris Twardek and Axel Piesold both appeared on the hour mark and both had netted within ten minutes. Walsh set up the equaliser, Twardek assisted the go-ahead goal.
It was a special evening for a loyal band of followers. It was also one that eerily evoked memories of another wonderful trip to Drogheda in 2024, where two late goals also saw them come back to win 3-2.
Caulfield always says there isn’t too much time to enjoy these successes given a congested calendar. Ollie Horgan would always preach not getting too high or too low after a result.
Caulfield's selection
dilemma
The focus will have been on to the next game since Tuesday morning and the selection dilemmas it brings. Jimmy Keohane was a notable absentee from the squad on Monday. The consistency, versatility and class he brings should not be underestimated.
Kris Twardek is now the joint top scorer in the league. His output from the bench has been remarkable, with five goal contributions coming as a substitute. He had enjoyed a run of successive starts and would be a difficult omission.
However, the attacking options are the strongest they have been in Caulfield’s tenure. Pierrot has quality to compliment his pace and strength. Lomboto is in the condition and form of his life and is putting in a serious shift every time he gets an opportunity. There are scarcely any superlatives left for Walsh.
The competition exists all around the park. Arthur Parker will hope to get back in at right-wing back. Wasiri Williams put in another encouraging performance on Monday. Lee Devitt and Al-Amin Kazeem will battle it out at left-wing back.
In midfield, there has also been a revolving cast of characters with six players sharing the workload in the engine room.
It all augurs well, but the quality of Shels should be remembered. Their side looks even stronger on paper than the one that captured the crown in 2024. They will be smarting after two consecutive 3-2 losses and will be keen not to cede any more ground on their rivals.
After a brilliant week, United though have earned the right to look up and dream.
