With confidence dwindling, relegation pressure mounting, and the list of defeats increasing, the timing of tomorrow's trip to Tallaght Stadium for a clash with champions Shamrock Rovers could not be worse as Galway United seek to climb off the bottom of the League of Ireland premier division table.
Twelve losses in a row, 11 in the top flight and one in the FAI Cup, ensure Galway have equalled a club record for their worst run ever.
Galway competed for large chunks of last Friday's encounter against Bray Wanderers before being caught out by their ineptitude dealing with set pieces which has been a familiar theme throughout the campaign.
Manager Sean Connor acknowledged Galway's lack of physicality is being punished repeatedly.
"It was frustrating again because for 44 minutes we were well in the game and, if anything, slightly the better team.
“Again though we were undone by shocking defending at a set piece and the second goal at the start of the second half we had two chances to clear. We didn't and we are being punished for every mistake we make at this moment and time. The game was always going to be uphill then. Even when we did get a chance, Karl Moore hits the post and then it bobbles out.
“Right now it is a very, very difficult situation and we are just desperate for a bit of luck. We need to get all our players fit, not pick up any injuries, and one or two things need to bounce for us.
“We cannot feel sorry for ourselves. There are still enough games and we have got to knuckle down and see if we can freshen up the squad. We are looking to do that, we have one or two lined up, so hopefully we can do that. Bray were further behind last year than we are now so it is possible to get out of it. There are still two rounds of the league to go."
Having a positive mental attitude is a must for Galway in the coming weeks as the season enters a crucial phase. United face several tough fixtures and a significant improvement is required. However Connor believes his team can edge ahead of Drogheda United, who stunned Louth rivals Dundalk at Oriel Park.
"We had to accept we were going to have to make compromises that I am not happy with. That is dictated by the budget and that dictates what you can do. We are trying to work hard and those who aren't in Galway all the time are experienced players, but there is no doubt about it that it would make a big difference if we could all work together all of the time. I think we are having a bad run of luck. There is nobody more disappointed than me.
"I have to try to stay focused and think of the long term picture. People have short memories. We only got our licence four days before the transfer window closed so it was always going to be a difficult season. I am not experiencing anything that I didn't expect - all year it was going to be a battle of trying to finish ahead of UCD and Drogheda. UCD have pulled a bit away, Drogheda have also pulled a bit away, but it is nothing that cannot be pulled back."
Connor hopes Galway can get a drop of luck and that a few new additions can be made to his squad because ultimately avoiding a relegation play/off is the objective.
"My positivity hasn't changed. I have players lined up, I am trying to make things happen, there are other issues around the football club that need to be addressed. Everybody needs to pull together, there is no point in moaning, it is a case of knuckling down.
“Yes there are players I want to bring in and freshen the squad up. Against Bray we brought a player in and now it looks like he could be out for the rest of the season. We aren't getting any luck.
"There are lots of issues internally that we need to address. I am not prepared to talk about them at this moment and time. I have a job to do as a manager. I have to work with the board and management committee. Things are difficult, but things aren't just difficult at Galway United, they are difficult throughout the country.”
Connor says United have to be creative and stick together to ensure they remain in the premier division.
• Galway United will be hosting an historical walking tour of Galway City on Sunday with all profits going to the club. The cost is €10 per person. Contact Ronan Coleman 087-6972823.
• Galway United’s management committee is planning a series of fundraising events this summer - A Maroon Flag Day, a Poker Classic and a Night Out with Knights of Leon in The Black Box in June, July and August.
