At times, Galway United were taught a lesson last Friday night against Bohs. Tomorrow night, they face a similarly difficult assignment.
United drew in Drumcondra in February, but haven’t won up there since the return to the Premier Division.
There has been plenty of noise around Shelbourne and a stuttering campaign, but Joey O’ Brien’s side are unbeaten in their last six. They had two fine wins over Pat’s and Waterford before a drab draw in Derry halted their gallop to some extent.
Nevertheless, Shels have edged up to the more natural surrounds of the top half of the table and United, despite their unlikely scoring prowess, will find it difficult against a side that have only shipped two goals in their last four games.
United have shown spirit in their last couple of outings. They blitzed an improving Sligo side and responded well after chasing shadows against Bohemians in a 4-2 defeat. But they remain in close competition with Drogheda and Sligo as they sit in seventh. The inevitability of Derry pushing clear of the scrap is starting to be questioned, with them winless in six.
The contribution of Ed McCarthy last week was too good to be buried below a disappointing result and performance. Much was made about a superlative first where he showed strength, speed and skill in abundance to rattle the top corner of the net to bring his side back to 3-2.
However, his first showed his grit, to rise highest in the box and force his side back into contention. Post-match however, John Caulfield was visibly frustrated at the goals his side coughed up. There were other unforced errors in the first half that jarred also.
He has an ability to change it up which has not always been the case. Gianfranco Facchineri will likely be pressing his case for inclusion. United will need to be more robust in midfield than they were in the opening half last week also. Kris Twardek also made a massive contribution from the bench upon his introduction. He leads the league in goal contributions again after a fruitful fortnight for him.
His defensive colleague will face plenty of firepower too, but it in uncertain in what combination. None appear to be in a purple patch, but things change quickly in this league, as Bohs’ three wins on the spin attested to.
Will Jarvis didn’t feature in Derry from the bench. Sean Boyd made his first start in six games on Monday. John Martin had been their main man this season but has only one goal in his last six.
United’s focus this week will be on nullifying the various threats. They will be uncomfortable with their defensive record and have enough nous and experience to make that right. Shels too only seem to be involved in tight games. Interestingly, no league game of theirs has been decided either way by more than a goal.
United should feel that they travel with a chance.
A supporters bus to Fridays Premier Division match at Tolka Park will depart from McGinns, Woodquay at 4pm. Seats can be booked by contacting Kian Kenny at (087 ) 9404349 or Ronan Coleman at (087 ) 6972823.
