While the focus around Galway United for some time has rightly been on what was happening over their shoulders, Friday presents a rare opportunity to make inroads on the top half of the table.
The competition between Drogheda, Waterford and United has spurred all on to the extent that they have only one loss in their combined last 15 matches.
Keeping on top of that group, United’s biggest win of the season last weekend means that they can now look up at Derry, Shels and Dundalk. It puts them 10 points ahead of bottom side Sligo which is neither insurmountable nor insignificant. They have earned the confidence that they can avoid an automatic drop.
Shels have a huge need of their own for a result tomorrow night. It has not been smooth sailing for John Russell since he took over from Joey O’Brien. There have been chastening defeats in the league and cup. However, European nights have been a better indication of the true level of his squad. No one in Galway will doubt Russell’s ability to improve his side’s fortunes, rather they will hope it just takes another week.
The same week will have a big bearing on the trajectory of United’s season. Friday should suggest whether United can push on in their final round of games or continue to be in the thick of a scrap to avoid a relegation playoff or worse. Next week, United travel to Drogheda with a cup semi-final berth on offer. Achieving that would be hugely significant and improve the outlook on the season as a whole.
Last Friday’s side delivered and were augmented well from the bench, particularly Matty Wolfe and Frantz Pierrot. Both had offered plenty as starters in recent games. It didn’t go to plan for Wolfe however, who conceded a free that led to a goal and sustained an injury.
There was an impressive rear-guard action, necessitated by Dundalk’s possession with Anthony O’Connor proving himself as a valuable addition. He was even involved at the other end in the build-up to Kris Twardek’s pivotal second. Wasiri Williams was commanding at the back.
They will have their hands full again tomorrow night. Shels have had a fortnight’s rest since their encouraging 2-2 draw with Ajax. They have strength across their squad despite recent results. They still have a pathway to Europe if they can get back on track.
There are only five more nights in Terryland for United to savour this season. In a quirk of the calendar, each of them are against Dublin opposition. They are likely to finish as the four best teams in the league.
United will need some return in these games. To do so, they will need to make home advantage count.
