Last Friday’s win over Cork City eased the pressure building around Galway United tremendously.
As they approach the mid-season interval, they are 11 points clear of the drop zone. Recent weeks have reset expectations, but there should be plenty of satisfaction with this breathing room in such a competitive league.
The weight of history suggests that tomorrow night’s trip to Tallaght is a shot to nothing. There is too much pride and professionalism in the group to rely on this perspective. However, it will shape supporters' outlook as they try to insulate themselves from the pain that has been near inevitable at the hands of Rovers.
The form of Stephen Bradley’s side offers no succour. After an indifferent start, five straight wins has catapulted them to top spot. Just as four straight losses had dumped United down to eighth.
They are certainly having a better time of it with injuries. Michael Noonan is proving a real prospect up front. The 16-year-old has three goals in his last three games, including two from the bench.
He is able to share duties with Rory Gaffney and Aaron Greene, who continue to contribute handsomely. Both have notched three of their own in recent weeks.
The really ominous sign is the return of the peerless Jack Byrne. He has started the last ten games for Rovers, an unusual run given his lucklessness with injuries. He and Graham Burke retain the quality of international footballers. Their teammate Josh Honohan is currently in the squad.
It is therefore a daunting task but one that United will have an honest crack at. It is unlikely that they will roll over. Much is made of the club’s appalling record against their more illustrious opponents but it does a disservice to this particular team.
Since their return to the Premier, there has only been the odd-goal in it and there have been two draws, including one to end a decades-old losing streak in the capital.
Last week’s win will instil some badly needed confidence. By their own admission, it was not a pretty performance but a return to basics. It was a dour encounter but one salvaged by an emotional winner from Conor McCormack.
He is still on the road to recovery and the team will benefit from his continued involvement. There was a big call in goals also, with Evan Watts’ inclusion from the off.
The youngster has impressed in his seven starts. In that time he has conceded only seven, with three coming from penalties.
Greg Cunningham has battled bravely through injury this season and showed some of his best form last week. Vince Borden’s energy in midfield was a very welcome addition. Moses Dyer’s quality outed once again.
It all means that United have a better kind of selection dilemma in store than they have been used to. But it cannot rival the options that Rovers have. Up in Derry, they introduced Honohan, Watts, McEneff and Noonan and got two goals from them.
Another battling performance can almost be expected from a side who even in defeat rarely let their supporters down.
Against this array of talent, it is unlikely to be enough. Unlikely, but far from impossible.
