There was giddiness around Galway when the FAI Cup draw on Tuesday pitted Galway United against Salthill Devon in the last 16.
More broadly, it is a big evening at the bottom, as Cork and Sligo face off in Turner’s Cross. There seems to be a consensus that City need to get something to keep their faint hopes of survival alive.
Sligo will continue their march if they do not. That adds significance to the game in Eamonn Deacy Park between United and Waterford.
It currently looks like one from these three will face a relegation playoff. United can put themselves back on top of this mini-league with a win over a side that they had a hex on until they came unstuck in the south-east in May.
Perhaps more relevant is United’s recent form which has not hit the heights reached earlier in the season. Even the 2-0 win in the cup against Tolka Rovers was unconvincing. David Hurley’s introduction from the bench provided a much-needed spark. The goal for Stephen Walsh, the debut of Donncha Sammon, the performance of Colm Horgan and the minutes for Axel Piesold, Aaron Bolger, Junior Thiam and Cillian Tollett were the only other positives to take.
When United have needed to circle the wagons previously, there has been an emphasis on a return to basics and playing to their strengths. The hope will be that they can once again shore up a defence that has claimed only one clean sheet in their last 17 league games.
Physicality and athleticism in midfield have been a key to United’s success. Patrick Hickey has been a notable absence in recent weeks. Now there are different options with the arrivals of Bolger and Piesold. It will be a big test for either or both should they taste action. The indication from recent selections is that they are likely to.
They will have their work cut out if they do. Waterford have strength in that area to the extent they could afford to bring Dean McMenamy and Ben McCormack off the bench into their midfield against Cork, two very useful operators.
Pádraig Amond will rightfully attract plenty of attention, but Tommy Lonergan and Conan Noonan are young and exciting attacking talents who have impressed.
John Coleman is a highly respected manager who brings a wealth of experience to Waterford. But his side had gone through an indifferent run also until a much-needed win against Cork. When they beat United in May, it was their fourth win on the spin. They won just one of their subsequent eight.
The context confirms the importance of this fixture, with points precious currently. Since 2022, the fates of these teams have seemed to be intertwined. Interestingly, they will also face each other on the last day of the season.
If United want to have their business taken care of by then, they could do with positive results tomorrow and next week in Cork.
