fter an encouraging fourth league win, Galway United manager Tommy Dunne says tomorrow’s SSE Airtricity League premier division clash "will be a real test" against Cork City at Eamonn Deacy Park (7.45pm ).
Vinny Faherty pounced to net his fourth goal of the campaign when United shrugged off Finn Harps’ spirited resistance at the Dyke Road last Friday. Kevin Devaney’s excellent assist was bundled home by in-form striker Faherty, who continues to impress for the Tribesmen.
“The win was hard fought like every other game so far, but we kept going all through, that pleased me,” Dunne said.
“We are under no illusion that the game against Cork City will be another very difficult game, but it is one we are really looking forward to. It will be a real test for us. We know that it will be a different type of test, though, because last week we went in as favourites against Harps.
“This time around Cork will be favourites, but we will approach the game in the same way we always do by trying to win it. We are hoping it will be a good open game, we know what we are up against. We might be the underdogs, but we will try to win the match.”
A year ago United repeatedly encountered problems on home turf, but this season Bray Wanderers, Bohemians, and Harps have all been outwitted on the banks of the Corrib which is significant according to Dunne.
“We have registered encouraging wins, I agree with that point. Our home form has been very good so far, but we also need to realise we are playing against a side that finished second last season in our next game.
“We have to be ready for this challenge again, but we are happy enough with our start to the season. The support we’ve received has been fantastic and people can look forward to this match. We aren’t under pressure to win, but we certainly want to win. If we can improve certain aspects of our game, I feel we have a great chance.”
Keen to mount a serious push for the title, Cork were disappointed to draw with Wexford last Friday, but Dunne knows about the Leesiders’ craft.
“I’ve watched Cork - an impressive outfit. They dropped two points last weekend, but that is the type of league we are dealing with this season. Cork were very strong when they played Dundalk recently. In that game they showed exactly what they can do. We will need to be at our best, but I’m confident we can produce a performance.”
Another healthy crowd is expected at Eamonn Deacy Park where the locals continue to be impressed by United’s development. On Monday United also host Finn Harps in the second round of the EA Sports Cup. “I think people are rightly optimistic,” Dunne replies when asked about the feel-good factor currently surrounding the club.
“We are better equipped this year for the premier division. We have more physicality in our squad and people are seeing what we are trying to do. They are getting value for money because the team is giving everything.
“It has been a fine start for us, but we still have to play the top two from last season. Big games are arriving thick and fast for us which tests every part of the group. What is vital, though, is not to look beyond the next challenge. That is Cork City for us, we want to be playing in these type of games for the whole season.”
