Though severely restricted by the absence of its regular central defensive partnership, Galway United will still be intent on landing a victory in tomorrow’s Terryland Park encounter with Cork City.
With similarly crucial matches elsewhere involving St Patrick’s Athletic v Shamrock Rovers, and Sligo Rovers v Drogheda United, there will be no shortage of final day drama.
Aaron Greene’s splendid equaliser at Tallaght Stadium steered Galway into sixth place and the teenager’s delightful strike laid bare the Hoops frailties when armed with a lead on home terrain.
United manager Ian Foster was satisfied with the endeavour Galway paraded in the capital.
"We were obviously delighted. I think all the hype coming into the game was about Shamrock Rovers, but it was as important for us as it was for them.
"I think my players showed that with their will and determination to get around the pitch, and work hard for each other. I thought we fully deserved the point.
“Aaron Greene did really well. He worked his socks off, and he did everything I asked of him off the ball, and you always get a chance. It was a chance he created himself, he turned the defender inside out, and then smashed it in the bottom corner. The boy is a fantastic talent, but he has got a great work ethic as well, he is a pleasure to work with.”
Despite that stirring revival Galway’s focus has quickly turned to the Leesiders, and it is a grave pity that Garry Breen and Shane Guthrie are ruled out through suspension. Breen was dismissed in Tallaght, while a yellow card accumulation ensures the under-rated Guthrie will not feature either.
“It won't be easy because the two lads have been massive for us all season in more ways than one. But that is football, it is part and parcel of it, you have to deal with suspensions. We have a small squad and I was literally down to 16 for the Rovers’ game.”
Iarfhlaith Davoren, bothered by a hamstring injury, might return at left full in a defensive reshuffle that is likely to see Sean Kelly paired with Republic of Ireland u-21 international Seamus Conneely at centre half.
Foster is encouraged that Galway are in control of their own destiny.
"If someone had offered me that in March I would have taken it. Last game of the season at home to Cork in sixth position, I would have taken that all day long. Having said that Cork are desperate for points, it is not going to be easy, Pat's at home to Shamrock Rovers, they will be fighting for their lives, Sligo at home to Drogheda is the same. We cannot rely on anybody else, we have to look after ourselves, and I genuinely don't know what is going to be enough against Cork City, but we will desperately try to win the game.”
•Galway United Supporters’ Trust holds its end of season party upstairs in Fibber Magees, Eyre Square after Friday evening’s premier division match at Terryland Park. All United supporters and friends welcome to attend.
Mervue United
Having avoided the relegation play-off, Mervue United achieved their objective, and Johnny Glynn’s team would like to conclude the season with a positive result in Ferrycarrig.
Wexford Youths are a decent outfit when the mood strikes, and while Mervue’s recent form has been flecked with defeats, they have been competitive. Mick Wallace’s team are well organised and enjoyed a money-spinning friendly with Wolverhampton Wanderers last Monday.
Mervue will be without three suspended players, Nicky Curran, Pat Hoban and Alex Lee, and also the injured Damian O’Rourke, Dave Goldbey and Nigel Keady due to work commitments. Despite this Mervue will travel looking for a win which would see them finish ahead of Athlone Town.
