Though the League of Ireland season is only a matter of weeks old, Terryland Park will provide an ideal backdrop for tomorrow’s crucial encounter between Galway United and Shamrock Rovers.
Surprisingly the Hoops have only accumulated one point from a possible nine, and they will enter the Dyke Road venue for the televised contest completely aware that a vast improvement is required.
Consecutive Tallaght Stadium reversals to St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk have dampened Rovers’ spirits, but there is sufficient ability in the Dubliners’ squad to recover quickly. That is precisely why Galway will be wary and know that a solid performance is needed.
Galway were gutsy in the Showgrounds last Saturday, but Sligo Rovers still eked out a win as the visitors did not get any reward for their efforts.
It is expected that Sean Connor will field a similar line up on Friday, with Ciaran Foley and Stephen O’Donnell anchoring the midfield. O’Donnell was a key figure in the north west, and his passing ability will be useful against a forceful Rovers outfit too.
Despite the recent turbulence Michael O’Neill has constructed an experienced side capable of mounting a championship challenge. Three of O’Donnell’s ex Cork City colleagues, Danny Murphy, Dan Murray, and Billy Dennehy are already viewed as influential footballers for the Hoops, who are scrambling for their first success of the campaign. Gary Twigg’s unavailability has restricted Rovers thus far and, with one goal bagged in three fixtures, Rovers need to be far more clinical in the area
Rovers’ squad is packed with talent and, though they have encountered some bother recently, O’Neill will have them primed for a battle.
On the second last Friday of last season a splendid Aaron Greene goal in Tallaght ended Rovers’ title assault, and survivors of that game remain. Alan Mannus, Pat Sullivan, Aidan Price, Craig Sives, Ollie Cahill, Stephen Bradley, Stephen Rice, Seanie O’Connor, and Paddy Kavanagh could all feature on the banks of the Corrib against a reshaped Galway.
Barry Ryan, Paul Synott, Seamus Conneely, Cian McBrien, Derek O’Brien, and Jason Molloy all saw action for Galway on that nippy October night, and will hope to be as energetic as they were in that tie.
Under pressure to post a positive result, Rovers recognise Galway have the ability to cause them trouble. O’Donnell and Bobby Ryan can carve opportunities for a front line that is blessed with Karl Sheppard’s pace. The Rovers’ rearguard has looked susceptible to speed this term, and Sheppard has the potential to emerge as an substantial contributor for Galway.
Only a victory will suffice for Rovers, and that is a heavy burden to carry into any match. While it is far too early to offer an accurate assessment on how a campaign will transpire for a team, Rovers go into this clash cognisant of the galling fact that they trail cross-town rivals Bohemians by eight points.
That is a curious statistic given that April has not even been reached yet, so Galway will anticipate a stirring Rovers’ display. Therefore Galway must be resilient and efficient in disposing of whatever chances are fashioned. If those two objectives are met, Galway can disturb the Hoops
