With three weeks out of action, Galway United had some respite, but there is no reprieve on their return to action tomorrow night against Bohemians.
United stopped the rot against Cork last time out, all but confirming the Leesiders relegation which has been rubber-stamped since. But Sligo and Waterford both won in the interim, meaning United are three points adrift in the relegation playoff spot, albeit with a game in the hand.
None of their four remaining games look too appealing on paper. Bohs and Drogheda are both in the thick of a European battle. Shamrock Rovers will have the league wrapped up by the time United head for Tallaght, but they will still be turning up for European and Cup Final action. On the final night of the season, United will travel to Waterford.
The first aim will be to travel to the RSC on November 1 still in the frame. They will need at least one, and probably two positive results to do so.
They have a win in their column against Bohs earlier in the season, but that night in Dalymount Park will forever be synonymous with Moses Dyer. The 3-0 defeat in July is unfortunately a more relevant example, as it captured United’s struggles and Bohs’ improvement.
Bohs themselves have had a long layoff since losing the Dublin derby on September 26, although they did squeeze in a friendly against Schalke 04 which they won 3-2.
Douglas James-Taylor has settled since his move from Drogheda and will likely be a handful. Dawson Devoy has been widely heralded as one of the best performers in the league. Cian Byrne is back in favour, after impressing in maroon in the first part of the season.
Stephen Walsh will be a central figure for United as ever. His brace against Cork was inspirational in a part of the season that had been lacking it.
The goalkeeping situation has been an ongoing conundrum. Evan Watts was preferred last time. He was on the bench for Wales Under-21 during the week. The backline is largely settled. Commanding performances will be needed from the centre-halves.
David Hurley should return to the middle after suspension. Conor McCormack might also be in contention. Patrick Hickey will need a big game in the middle, as he continues to be central to the cause. Jimmy Keohane and Dara McGuinness are likely to be relied upon to bring energy and quality in the final third.
It is difficult to envisage a route to avoid a playoff that does not involve a home win before the end of the season. Two would likely be springboard enough to achieve it. To that extent, United’s fate still is just about in their own hands.
Given the stakes for Galway football, the turnout against Cork was deeply troubling.
Backs are up against the walls. Players and management need to come out swinging again. It would help to have a loud and passionate crowd behind them.
