The past week has brought contrasting fortunes for Galway United, who enjoyed a thrilling success over Derry City, and then suffered a trimming from Drogheda United. That ensures tomorrow’s Terryland Park contest with Bohemians is now in the critical category.
The Gypsies reclaimed leadership of the premier league on Tuesday and that adds further to the challenge for Galway who need to recapture the dash shown when coming from behind to beat the Candystripes.
Inconsistent for the past few months, Galway’s previously solid defence were ruthlessly exposed by a clinical Drogheda outfit which converted its opportunities. Unfortunately Galway were not as composed in front of goal, and another cruel loss was suffered with manager Ian Foster providing an honest appraisal.
"We should have scored four goals ourselves. We had four one-on-ones with the keeper, and when you don't take them, that is what happens, but you have to keep the backdoor shut.
“The players have come back an awful lot from one nil down this season. We did it Friday night, but at 2 - 0 we capitulate.
"You are going to get performances that are good and bad with young players, of course you are, I appreciate that. It shouldn't be that big a difference from Friday night. I understand at times when they are inexperienced, they aren't going to be at it, but from one of our best performances of the season against a very, very good Derry side to that. There is miles in the difference.”
Galway are seeking to get back on the road to respectability, and though Pat Fenlon’s Gypsies represent formidable opponents Foster insists his youngsters can respond.
"I think Bohs are the best team in the league. They have a fantastic set up, and a fantastic team, but we certainly aren't throwing the towel in. We will give it everything we have got, we will compete until the final whistle in the last game of the season whenever that may be, and we will keep going, we have to.
"It is encouraging how we have done in Terryland. We have made it difficult recently for teams to come and get anything. Hopefully we will make it difficult for Bohemians on Friday night. We are miles away from Bohemians in every aspect of football. From personnel to budgets, we are miles away from most teams, and we will find it difficult on Friday if we put on a performance like the Drogheda one.”
Foster is concerned by Galway’s mixed form especially considering the manner in which St Patrick’s Athletic, Bray Wanderers, and Derry were outfoxed on the Dyke Road. The recent road trips have not been so bountiful.
"It is worrying because at times I don't know what I am going to get, and that is a big thing. We don't train any differently, we don't prepare any differently, it is all about attitude. You have to have the right attitude, and you have to run up and down. I don't think anybody is going to give you anything in this division - they should know that by now.”
