Phil Trill was bullish after Tuesday night’s defeat in Dalymount Park. He was entitled to point out that his side’s first league defeat didn’t come until August. However, it is difficult to deem it anything other than disappointing in the context of the standards this side has set and their ultimate ambitions.
Conversely, it was Bohs’ first league win since March which underscores the disappointment. Undoubtedly, it was a difficult proposition after United had played 120 minutes against Sligo on Saturday.
They advanced to a first ever FAI Cup semi-final after a hard slog that was lit up by two Emma Doherty goals in extra-time. The sides were scoreless after 90 minutes but former Sligo star Doherty put two smart finishes from crosses in each half were enough for United to claim a berth in the final four.
United were not at their fluent best in the first half on Tuesday. They were victims of their own success playing this game in-hand having advanced to the final of the All-Island Cup. However, the game turned on a red card received by Remini Tillotson in the 55th minute.
That cost them on Tuesday and will hurt them for her period of unavailability. One crumb of comfort is the signing of another American defender, Ella Raimondi, who took a place on the bench on Tuesday.
Alongside her were Aoibheann Costello and Cara Griffin, both who have been regular starters and both were introduced with United battling well with 10. However, they were undone in the 90th minute when Lauryn McCabe picked out Savannah Kane who fired home to deny United.
United will have to pick themselves up quickly as they face Sligo again on Saturday. Now two points behind Athlone, they will not want to lose more ground. However, they learned last Saturday that they face a difficult test.
They will hope to have Kate Thompson return to them soon after her heroics last week in Croke Park. They will need a strong squad as they continue to fight on two fronts, with a most difficult assignment away to Athlone awaiting them in the cup. However, they can look no further than the Showgrounds.
