Following two successive defeats, Galway United host Finn Harps at Eamonn Deacy Park in the SSE Airtricity League premier division on Saturday evening (7pm ).
Tommy Dunne’s team were involved in goal-laden games against Shamrock Rovers on Friday and Cork City on Tuesday. Having lost 4-2 at Tallaght Stadium, United were subsequently beaten 5-3 by John Caulfield’s on the banks of the Lee.
Despite a plucky second period display which included two strikes from the impressive Kevin Devaney, United were outfoxed.
“I think in the first half, and it was more my fault than anything else in regards to the way we set up, we didn't really get after Cork,” Dunne said.
“We are still giving away soft goals. After six minutes we let in a goal that was avoidable, so it was disappointing, but the second half was positive. I thought that we were quite good, very good at times. We have to be looking at Saturday now to give it a good lash.”
Having conceded nine goals in the past 180 minutes of competitive action, Dunne says it is an issue United must rectify quickly. “If it is not a concern, it is a problem,” Dunne says about the recent record. “It was more to do with me in the first half in Cork, but at Shamrock Rovers, the four goals I was disappointed in the manner, but some of them in Cork I wouldn't be sure about. I thought in the second half we were positive and we were at the game which was important.”
Now United face a tricky assignment against Ollie Horgan’s gritty Finn Harps outfit at the Dyke Road venue this weekend.
With only one win registered in eight matches, United are hoping to finish the campaign strongly.
“On Saturday we need to be going at it, we need to be trying to win the game,” Dunne says.
This season United’s home form has been reasonable, claiming six victories and three draws from 13 matches, while Harps have struggled on the road. Harps have only registered seven points from a dozen away fixtures in 2016, so United will be anxious to deliver a solid performance.
Avoiding a promotion/relegation play/off is Harps’ mission, ensuring that Saturday’s tussle carries significance for them. Galway native Horgan deserves immense credit for constructing such a hard working and honest squad.
At the start of the year United were hopeful about launching a bid for a top six finish, but since stunning league leaders Dundalk in August, the Tribesmen have only won once. It has been a worrying spell for United, who need to produce in their remaining five encounters of 2016. The upcoming clashes with Harps, Cork, Wexford Youths, Longford Town, and Dundalk will be worth monitoring.
Comers extend United sponsorship deal
The Comer Group has agreed a further three-year extension to its sponsorship deal with Galway United FC.United chairman Jonathan says the new deal will enable the club to chart a path towards becoming a serious contender for national honours.
“The Comer brothers’ generous sponsorship has been the critical factor in the revitalisation of the Galway senior soccer dream,” he said. “Today’s announcement is a source of great excitement to all here at the football club. The Comer brothers have enabled Galway United to gain a real foothold in the national game. This agreement now allows us to plan for the future with the greatest confidence.”
