Just a few weeks ago, the nimble-fingered among us were able to grab screenshots of Galway United at the top of the table, in the in-play standings. The celebration police were on hand to remind them about how early in the season it was and how tightly packed the bunch was.
Three successive defeats have plunged United to eighth, yet they remain only six off the top. The three defeats in a row are therefore the concern rather than the league position.
Tomorrow’s second Connacht Derby of the season offers a chance to put more daylight between United and their Sligo rivals, who very much should be worried about their league position.
John Russell’s team were afforded time at the start of the season, owing to an enforced turnover in the squad, but their young side continues to struggle. The importance of tomorrow’s clash for them is difficult to downplay.
Depending on results, Sligo could be 14 points adrift of their Connacht rivals, and six points off ninth by ten o’clock tomorrow night.
Their Galway contingent is coming to the fore though. Wilson Waweru has made his return to action as a substitute in the last two games and could be back to thwart his hometown team as he did last year. Francely Lomboto has had a few starts after biding his time. Ronan Manning has continued to impress after his fine display against United in the Showgrounds.
There are therefore plenty of sub-plots, but the main plot is straight-forward. Both sides will be gunning for victory for their own reasons. United only lost two consecutive games once last season. The loss of three, regardless of mitigation is significant. Losing a fourth, and a fourth in eight home games, would be a problem.
The recent run has indeed highlighted some problems that the magic of Moses Dyer, April’s Player of the Month in the league, had helped to mask.
As many as six players have played minutes up front with the Kiwi this season. Of them, only Patrick Hickey has scored, and his best work and goals have come from midfield.
The absences of Vince Borden, Jimmy Keohane and Garry Buckley have deprived the squad of legs, class and experience. Above all it has led to a lack of depth. Three members of last Friday’s bench, all regularly named, have combined for only 10 minutes of action in the league.
The squad responded wonderfully to early challenges. Stalwarts like Clarke, Cunningham and McCormack absences were absorbed. Results and performances held up. However, this feat becomes increasingly challenging as the season progresses and the fixtures pile up like they do in May.
There will be no panic. The adulation thrown when results were positive was met by management with an understanding that times would become tough at some point. They hoped that fans would stick with them. The number and nature of tomorrow night’s support will be telling.
The result will be all that is remembered. The next two home games against the bottom two offer United the chance to reset and pull away from the bottom.
At the halfway point of the season, that would be a more than satisfactory return, regardless of the league position.
