There is some respite from the pressure cooker of league action tomorrow night for Galway United.
Instead, they face a tricky assignment in hosting Bray Wanderers with a FAI Cup quarter-final berth at stake. Nonetheless, it will be viewed in Galway circles as a decent opportunity to progress.
They go into the game unbeaten in five games in all competitions, their longest stretch of the season. The disappointment of not taking three points against Drogheda took some time to dissipate and was compounded by Waterford’s win on Sunday.
It was a first half low on quality and high on tension. United undoubtedly shaded the second half and will rue a missed David Hurley penalty late on. At the end of the weekend’s action, only two points separated the three sides, with Sligo a further six back.
Nonetheless, United should enter this game with some confidence and freedom. Having tightened up defensively, fans will hope that their side rediscovers their goalscoring form. The Sligo and Crumlin games aside, goals have been difficult to come by in recent weeks.
Kris Twardek might have some answers and will be hopeful of a first start since his return from injury. Francely Lomboto impressed upon his introduction while Frantz Pierrot led the line with presence.
The options appear decent in midfield and defence. Nonetheless, some stories circulate that further defensive reinforcements may yet arrive. It was also notable that Killian Brouder was an absentee from the squad against Drogheda after being on the bench against Bohs.
Like their opponents, Bray’s form has been mixed this season. They captured the Leinster Senior Cup in June, beating Bohs and Pat’s en route. They should be pleased to be second in the first division, having lost some key performers. However, they are 20 points adrift from leaders Cork.
They come into the game on the back of a 5-0 win against struggling Finn Harps but had succumbed to Wexford and Kerry before that.
They have some familiar faces in their ranks. Former United player Dean O’Shea is their skipper. Ben McCormack is vastly experienced despite his tender years. Conor Knight, younger brother of Jason, has impressed for both Cabinteely and Bray. Ronan Ferizaj, younger brother of Justin, is a great prospect and is playing his second season of senior football at just 17. Ifunanyachi Achara is in a good goalscoring groove, with five in his last six.
Whatever happens tomorrow, United will hope it is the last meeting between the sides this season, with Bray as likely as any to advance from the first division playoffs, it is a date that United would like to avoid. The only extra fixture hoped for is a cup quarter-final.
