The visit of Malahide United to Terryland Park for the third round of the FAI Ford Cup on Friday night provides Sean Connor's beleaguered squad a welcome respite from the cut-and-thrust of league action.
With the Dublin outfit languishing second from bottom in the Leinster Senior League, a morale-boosting home victory should prove a welcome tonic before the visit of Bohemians on Tuesday next.
Galway's FAI Cup enthusiasts may, however, be slightly concerned with the preparation for this year's attempt to replicate the heroics of 1991. A comprehensive beating of United's 14-man squad in Santry by Sporting Fingal last Friday is not an ideal run-in. However creditable performances against Dundalk and UCD should remain fresh in the mind of the Tribesmen who have a proven ability to mix it with the best this year.
United gained an excellent point off the table-toppers in Oriel Park three weeks ago, while they were drastically unlucky not to have taken all three points last time out in Terryland against a tidy student outfit.
It is the fragility of a small squad assembled under major financial constraints that continues to be the major impediment for Galway United. Yet, the expected return of keeper Barry Ryan and full back Rhys Meynell, both from suspension, as well as star striker Karl Shephard's return from international duty, are timely boosts. Whether Shephard will see much or any action remains an open question as the Dubliner played 69 minutes in Kiev on Monday in the Ireland u-19’s 1-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Financial and squad restrictions dictate that United's battle to retain premier status is the number one priority. That they retain a relatively healthy advantage over Drogheda United is testament to the endeavours of the current crop of players expertly assembled in a difficult climate. Given the importance of staying in the premier division, efforts in the cup might suffer.
It is a trade-off between the potential for increased revenue, status, exposure of a cup run, and the possibility that such a run might adversely affect league performance.
However these concerns should not have a direct influence on the outcome of tomorrow evening’s encounter as the gulf in quality should compensate for any potential lack of motivation.
The home side comfortably warrants its 1/6 price tag with bookmakers. Nonetheless there is scant room for complacency, particularly in the wake of the desolation that followed United's ignominious exit from the same storied competition last year. Defeat at the hands of first division strugglers Longford Town in Terryland Park in the fourth round of the cup should still rancour with the surviving members of that squad and concentrate the minds of the newcomers. A repeat of that scenario remains unlikely.
The opportunity to earn one glamour tie or mount a successful tilt at cup glory should override scheduling concerns, on this occasion at least.
•Entry forms for the Galway United World Cup Forecast competition will be available at Friday evening’s FAI Cup match versus Malahide United at Terryland Park. Forms are also available on-line at www.galwayunitedfc.ie The entry fee is €10, closing date is the home match versus Bohemians on Tuesday June 8. Tickets for the GUST Aviva Stadium draw (€5 ) will also be on sale at Friday evening’s match. The prize is two tickets to Ireland’s first match in the new home of Irish football against Argentina on Wednesday August 11. Galway United is offering a discount admission rate to all Connacht Rugby season ticket holders for the home match against Bohemians - produce your season ticket at the gate and get €5 off entry fee. Further details available on the club website.
