A rotten run against Shamrock Rovers continued last Friday. However, Galway United have another chance to break a hoodoo on Saturday. If they beat Sligo in the Showgrounds, it would be their first away win in a Connacht Derby since 2003.
More immediately, it would increase the daylight between the sides to 12 points. That would be a significant margin even with three rounds of fixtures remaining. They will therefore have to shake off the disappointment of a flat second-half fairly quickly.
Last week was a reality check for United. There was a giddiness in the air that would have unsettled the wearier supporter. Rovers gave a reminder of the quality, and the standard required, by capitalising on a rare mistake and closing the game out professionally.
If there is any disappointment in Galway United’s renaissance over the last two seasons, it is that they have unfortunately come unstuck in front of their biggest crowds. In the past two seasons, the 10 most attended home games have yielded a poor return of one win, four draws and five losses. This contrasts to eight wins and four losses in the other 12 home games.
Correlation does not prove causation. Nonetheless, it is a problematic statistic as United seek to grow their base. The game was a rare league sell out and positive results on these big nights should be the next target of a group that has achieved much and redefined standards.
A win this weekend would more than compensate. There are plenty of sub-plots as this Sligo side has a strong Galway tinge. The Bit O’ Red are under the stewardship of John Russell and Ryan Casey, with Ronan Manning, Francely Lomboto and Wilson Waweru in their ranks.
They have endured a difficult start after being raided in the off-season, losing four of their best players in McGinty, Morahan, Power and Chapman.
Sligo still have quality in their side and have performed better than their results suggest. Lomboto scored his first on his first start in their 4-2 loss to Bohs. Under-21 Jad Hakiki has impressed after arriving from Dundalk. Owen Elding has three goals to his name so far.
Questions still linger about United’s squad. Ed McCarthy and Brendan Clarke were declared fit a fortnight ago, but neither has made the bench for the last two games. Both would be expected to make an instant impact on their return.
There should be no question though that United will travel to Sligo with a squad capable of getting a positive result. This game will complete the first round of fixtures. The table is starting to take shape, with United and Drogheda the only sides exceeding expectations. A tough bank holiday will follow, with games against Derry and Shels.
A win would stand United in good stead to keep pace in the top half.
