In the middle of Galway United's wretched eight-game losing streak, manager Sean Connor believed the Tribesmen's season would be defined by three games with Drogheda United, the first of which is scheduled for Terryland Park this evening (Thursday ).
Since Galway drew with the Boynesiders back on April 8 they have suffered a string of heavy losses, ranging from creditable performances against Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians to downright disasters away to Bray Wanderers and UCD. Those are the types of teams Galway crave to beat in this campaign and that is why tonight's tussle carries huge importance. Galway must take something from the encounter to stop the worrying sequence of results. A safe and solid display is necessary.
All the recent statistics are grim from a Galway viewpoint, especially the fact that only one home goal has been registered in seven matches on the Dyke Road. Galway's cause has been hindered by the absences of Alan Murphy and Joseph Yoffe, whom Connor believes to be an opportunistic finisher, but the fact that 14 goals have been conceded at the other end in these fixtures demonstrates the level of improvement required.
One source of encouragement for Galway is that Drogheda have lost all seven of their away trips as Mick Cooke has, like Connor, been forced to introduce youngsters. Cooke has already confirmed that Drogheda will be as busy as they can be in the transfer window to make additions as they intend to remain a top-flight outfit.
In Sligo Connor was reasonably satisfied with how Galway competed against a team flecked with experienced professionals, who will surely launch a title bid. Galway's current ambitions are way more modest as survival is the only thing in the Corribside thoughts. The expected return of Shaun Maher following injury should bring a bit of guile to a defence in which Stephen Walsh continues to deliver with admirable grit and wholeheartedness.
There is no doubting that Gary Curran's broken metatarsal has had a severe impact on Galway's midfield promptings and, due to this, chances are not being crafted with the same regularity as 2010. With no Stephen O'Donnell to deliver crisp passes nor a Derek O'Brien type speedster out wide, Galway have lacked penetration, and Connor will be hoping that Karl Moore can recover the dash shown in March.
Moore is a capable footballer who has the ability to outwit defenders and provide crosses and Galway require that kind of invention in the coming weeks and months. Yoffe had given flashes of his potential before being struck down by a training ground ankle injury and Galway have certainly missed his willing workrate.
Ultimately graft is what is going to get Galway out of their miserable current plight because, with the exception of Murphy, Shane Keogh, Bobby Ryan, and Moore, Connor does not have an awful lot of craft with which to work. Being dogged and defiant under pressure is the challenge that Galway must embrace as the season enters a crucial phase in which points need to be gathered.
Tomorrow's contest has long been earmarked as a revealing 90 minutes and Galway must be enthusiastic, effective and efficient if they are to edge six points clear of the basement boys.
•Galway United invites all members of junior and juvenile clubs from the city and county to Terryland Park for this evening’s premier division match against Drogheda United. Those who wear their club jersey, tracksuit or jacket can avail of a once-off €5 admission fee. KO is 7.45pm.
• Galway United will be holding a golf classic at Cregmore GC on Friday and Saturday with an entry fee of €160 per team. Tee times are available both days from 12 noon. For further information, contact the club office 091-767336, or Tommy Shields 087-2930738.
