Though the performance levels have improved slightly, the stark current reality is that Galway United are at their lowest ebb for a decade.
Yesterday's news that all of Galway's professionals are available on free transfers during the summer transfer window offers the latest example of how bad things are at the moment.
Survival is all the club can aspire to. It will be a tough and testing journey as defeats and problems continue to mount, but Galway will be keen to stop the rot which could extend to a staggering 15 matches in County Louth.
Tomorrow's trip to Oriel Park, a venue in which many maroon teams have suffered, brings another daunting challenge.
There has been a touch of the erratic about Dundalk recently, but the Lilywhites’ squad boasts both experience and quality. Unfortunately the same cannot be said about Galway with youngsters, not sufficiently skilled for life at this level, being given plenty of opportunities to sample football at the top tier in Ireland.
Tuesday's reversal against St Patrick's Athletic featured some encouraging moments, but the Pat's defence was rarely troubled.
Manager Sean Connor acknowledged this enduring inadequacy in Galway's football, while also highlighting the harsh decision that saw Steve Feeney dismissed for an innocuous challenge on Paul Crowley.
"The performance was decent, but it is a worry that we aren't creating. If we had been beaten 1-0 with 11 men I would have taken that because we probably weren't good enough to break them down. I thought that for 25 minutes in the second half we were starting to create one or two half chances and I don't think we were helped when we went down to 10 men because our backs were to the wall then. Even with 10 men we tried to play and tried to create.
"It was an unrewarding night overall. I was disappointed with our first-half performance. They could have been one or two more goals up, but we threw our bodies in there, and Greg Fleming kept us in the game. The second-half performance was totally different and then the referee changes it. If we had been beaten 1-0 with 11 men and we didn't break them down, I would have taken that, but I think the referee gifted them the game.
"When we were down to 10 men we were in trouble and Stevie Feeney's man then goes on to get the goal. To be fair I thought we defended free kick and corner kicks well all night, but nothing is going for us. It was harsh, but I think every little decision went against us. I don't understand how Mikey Gilmore was being judged to be fouling centre halves of 6’ 2”. The refs must live in a parallel universe."
Pete Mahon, Pat's highly regarded boss, also praised the manner in which a patched-up Galway outfit competed against the Dubliners, who have been consistent, stretching their unbeaten run to 13 league encounters.
"I am delighted, that is our third away win on the trot. We are after having a rough few weeks and we played against a very spirited Galway team. In fairness to them, they never gave in even when they went down to 10 men. Their management team deserves great credit for that. It hasn't been easy for them, but we had to focus on ourselves and I am absolutely delighted with the win," Mahon said.
Nine players were missing through injuries and suspensions when the Saints maintained their title push, but Connor is hoping Shaun Kelly, Stephen Walsh, and Alan Murphy will all be available for the Dundalk contest.
Rumours of unpaid wages have been circulating for a couple of weeks and Connor revealed that "finances aren't getting better at Galway United”.
“We got a payment of sorts on Tuesday night which was good and we are thankful to the management committee for that. Everybody has a lot of work to do on and off the park to ensure we will stay in the division."
Galway United u-19 trials
Galway United will hold trials for the upcoming Airtricity u-19 League on Tuesday June 28 at the NUIG Sports Complex, Dangan. All players born on or after January 1, 1993, are welcome to attend. The trials will commence at 6.30pm. For further information contact the Galway United office 091-767336, or Ronan Coleman 087-6972823.
• Galway United will hold a Flag Day fundraiser at various locations in the city and county on Saturday, June 25. For further information, contact Ronan Coleman 087-6972823. Galway United will also host two fundraising events in August, a poker night in the Eglinton Casino, Forster Street, on Sunday August 13, and a concert featuring "Knights of Leon" at the Black Box, Dyke Road, on Sunday August 20.
