Galway United travel to Waterford tonight knowing that one point from their remaining three games would cement their top flight status for 2027.
United currently sit in seventh place on 41 points, seven points clear of Waterford in the relegation play-off berth on 34 points. Waterford are winless in their last four league games, but their fantastic FAI Cup run serves as a reminder of the threats at their disposal.
In Tom Lonergan and Pádraig Amond they have one of the most devastating strike partnerships in the country. It's been keeping the ball out their own net that has cost them this season. A total of 56 league goals conceded is only bettered by already relegated Sligo Rovers.
A draw tonight would guarantee survival for John Caulfield's men whose historic victory over Shamrock Rovers on Friday night gave them significant breathing space in the relegation battle. That 2-0 victory in Eamonn Deacy Park was United's first victory over the Hoops since 2006.
It was the perfect response to the semi-final heartbreak against Derry the week before. The Tribesmen dusted themselves off and combined their greatest qualities into a brilliant 90-minute performance. They frustrated the league leaders throughout with their stubborn defence and when their opportunities arose, they were clinical to produce one of the most eye-catching results of this year's SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division campaign.
Aaron Bolger was instrumental throughout, and it was his volley in the second minute that landed at the feet of Jimmy Keohane after an Ed McGinty save to put United 1-0 up. The United skipper reacted quickest to slot the rebound home and give his side the dream start under the lights in Terryland.
Title-chasing Rovers continuously knocked on the door as they dominated possession and looked for a way to break down the stubborn United rear guard. They came closest through John O'Sullivan and Matt Healy, who both had efforts cleared off the line. Other than that, this United team weren't giving their opponents a sniff.
Then came yet another moment of Bolger brilliance on the 42nd minute mark. Rovers failed to clear McCarthy's long throw, allowing the ball to fall to an unmarked Bolger on the edge of the box. The midfielder rifled a left-footed strike past McGinty's outstretched arm into the far corner to tear the roof off Eamonn Deacy Park.
Stephen Bradly threw the proverbial kitchen sink at United in the second half. Two attacking half-time changes made a difference, with Rovers beginning to fashion some meaningful openings.
Dylan Watts had an effort saved from Hugo Pires da Cunha, before Graham Burke spurned a golden opportunity to hit the target after fine work from Adam Brennan. The final big chance of the night fell to Jonathan Afolabi but he also failed to take advantage.
And so the dream night the United faithful craved so dearly finally came to fruition. But this victory was so much more than just symbolic. Now on the cusp of Premier Division survival, United have the opportunity to finish a season where they have exceeded expectations with a flourish.
Caulfield will understand the importance of getting safety confirmed as quick as possible. Monday night's encounter will be a war, especially with Waterford in do-or-die territory. But United will be soaring after that magical Friday night.
It promises to be a belter. Kick-off is 7.45pm.
