Recent results may have been mixed, with a couple of gallant cup exits, but failure to topple a Peamount side who played the second half with ten will have disappointed.
The draw likely ends United waning interest in the title race, despite Athlone’s recent dropped points. Their European exploits might present them with further problems in their battle with Shels but ultimately it is an excellent news story for the league and should be commended.
Despite honours eluding United, there is still plenty left to play for. Saturday’s trip to Tallaght is another good test of where they are. It is another good opportunity to give new players a chance. It is a great platform for Galway youngsters to show their talents.
Aoibhín Donnelly made her first start since moving from Cork and made a good impression. She missed a good chance in the first but showed great trickery to lay on the equaliser for Amanda Smith in the second. Niamh Farrelly made a return to midfield and continues to show great quality. There is a good, young Galway core that continue to get experience, with Ava Mullins and Emily Fitzgerald getting minutes.
A couple of new arrivals have really bolstered the defensive options also, with Jamie Erickson making a welcome return and Niamh Cotter following Donnelly in moving from Cork. Erickson’s presence and physicality has been missed in both boxes this season. Cotter, at just 19, is capped with the Ireland Under-19 team, where she played with Nicole Nix and Ceola Bergin, and is vastly experienced despite her tender years.
Rovers’ form has been mixed since Stephanie Zambra took over the reins from Collie O’Neill. There is an unshakeable feeling that Rovers have under-delivered since their re-entry to the women’s game, but as a former Hoop and a trailblazer for the women’s game in Ireland, perhaps she is well placed to address this.
There were impressive wins against Treaty and Waterford, but those were interspersed with disappointing defeats against DLR Waves and Wexford.
Even after losing some key performers in the off season, such as Budden, Aoife Kelly and Littlejohn, the talent is still there. Ella Kelly is a phenomenal prospect at 16, playing in the middle of the park. Emily Corbett has been among the goals. Maria Reynolds is a leader at the back despite her young age and Áine O’Gorman exudes quality.
The sides seem well-matched but United have had the measure of Rovers in their previous encounters this season, turning in one of their performances of the season in the quarter-final of the All-Island Cup. Beating any team three times in a season is difficult however, and thus this tie is nicely poised.
