Galway United Women travel to Drumcondra for a vital FAI Cup clash after thumping Waterford 7-0 last Saturday.
In cases of such emphatic wins, focus can often be on the weaknesses of the losers, rather than the strengths of the winners. Elements of both, contributed to the lobsided result.
United scored some great goals and were clinical and ruthless. But Waterford’s defending for a few was not up to the standards required at this level. That said, no other side has gone close to inflicting this kind of defeat on the league newcomers. Only Shels have managed a win of the same scale by hammering Cork 7-0 earlier in the season.
There is no reason United cannot take confidence from their last three wins, even if they were against inferior opposition.
The only real negative was that last weekend, all of the sides around them won too. Indeed, it was notable that the top six beat the bottom six. It should be of some concern to league enthusiasts that four clubs look like being cut adrift.
Of Cork, Waterford, Sligo and DLR Waves, only Sligo have taken points off any side outside of this group. That is a statistic that should be setting off an alarm.
Seeking to rewrite recent history
This should not detract this weekend from what is unarguably the tie of the round. The focus in the camp will not be on recent history, but it ought to be acknowledged that United have struggled against Shels since the win in Tolka in 2023 that signalled them as a force in the women’s game.
It has been five competitive losses on the bounce since then, including one at this same stage and venue last season. Since losing to Shamrock Rovers on the opening day, Shels have been imperious. They have won nine in the league on the bounce, with a combined winning margin of 37-6.
Kate Mooney and Mackenzie Anthony are at the top of the scoring charts. Pearl Slattery continues to command at the back, playing every league minute and even chipping in with four goals of her own. Jess Gargan missed their most recent game against Sligo, and she would represent a loss. However, Shels have strength-in-depth and will be a tough prospect regardless of who takes the field.
For United, there has been stability in selection in recent weeks. Aislinn Meaney has picked up where she left off from a fast start to the season, after her return from injury. Nicole Nix seems to have nailed down the starting spot in goals. It was helpful for her and United to get their first clean sheet of the league in Waterford.
Elsewhere, Ceola Bergin has been an unused substitute for the last three games. It would be a huge boost were she able for minutes against Shels. United were able to call on experience off the bench last time out, with McKey, Kinnevey, Smith and Olusola all contributing when called on.
It is likely that 14-16 players will need to perform for United to enjoy another famous day on Saturday. It is a short tournament, and therefore the stakes are high.
They gave the league a good crack last season, have won the All-Island Cup twice, an FAI Cup odyssey could capture the imagination, particularly if it started out with such a scalp.
