Four SSE Airtricity League first division wins in a row ensure Galway FC will make the long trek to St Colman's Park on Saturday evening to face Cobh Ramblers loaded with confidence.
Impressive when dismissing Finn Harps' challenge at Eamonn Deacy Park, Galway have acquired form and momentum at exactly the right time as they edge towards securing a play-off berth.
Another victory over Cobh, who can be awkward opponents on home turf, would leave Galway in a healthy position. And, with a trip to Shelbourne looming. Galway know that two more positive results could even open up the possibility of climbing into second place.
“Cobh is a big game,” says manager Tommy Dunne. “ I think we have to win in Cobh because if we do, we’re going into the last two games in a really good position and a lot may then come down to the last game. If you don’t, it is possibly out of your hands again. So my point of view we need to win in Cobh.”
Saturday’s opponents are a strong team in Cobh and Galway will need to be at their best, says Dunne.
“If we win our last three matches, we might pick up second place and that could be the difference, giving us an advantage in a play off. None of us are counting our chickens, though, we just need to get three points in Cobh.”
The work ethic in the Galway squad has been critical in the recent string of triumphs. In the Harps’ match the attitude and application of Gary Shanahan, Jake Keegan, and Vinny Faherty was exemplary.
Ryan Connolly's subtlety in the centre of the park unlocked the Harps; defence regularly as the Ballyglass native provided assists for Galway's three goals.
“We deserved the win, we were the better team throughout the match. We tried to play as well as we possibly could even though we weren’t as fluent as we would have liked to be in the first half. Sometimes you get games like that, but it was important for us to get the three points first and foremost. To get three goals and a clean sheet is a bonus.”
Dunne was heartened by how Galway dealt with Harps' determined brand of play. “They are physical, they switch the play from back to front quickly. If you can’t cope with that, then you have a problem, but we did.
“At different times we got into areas in the pitch, but our final ball wasn’t great. We might need to improve that, but overall we aren’t going to be too harsh on individuals. It is at that time of the year when results are more important than anything else.”
• Galway United Supporters’ Trust is running a bus to Saturday’s first division match at St Colman’s Park, departing The Dail Bar, Middle Street, at 3pm. To book a seat contact Ronan Coleman 087-6972823, or Dominick Walsh 087-9163438.
