A spirited draw against Shamrock Rovers and an emphatic win over Salthill Devon have eased the pressure. Even a difficult draw in the FAI Cup quarter-final away to St Pat’s should not threaten morale.
But the momentum gained needs to be sustained against Derry.
The visitors are in something of a rut themselves after their title ambitions were seen off by Rovers. Tiernan Lynch’s side are winless in their last four in the league and crashed out of the cup at home to Drogheda last time out. Tomorrow’s fixture carries significant weight for them too. They will be desperate to ensure European qualification but are locked in a tight tussle for it.
United have frustrated them, drawing twice in the Ryan McBride Brandywell already this season. There was a gulf in quality evident when Derry won in Eamonn Deacy Park in April, however.
The recent consensus was that United had fallen back since then. There have been departures and injuries that were difficult to deal with. Yet, there is some optimism that players returning from injury, new signings and experienced players recapturing form is redressing this.
Dara McGuinness is an exciting addition. Jeremy Sivi showed that he can provide a unique outlet last time out in the cup. Axel Piesold and Aaron Bolger gave evidence of their quality. Jimmy Keohane and Patrick Hickey have provided reminders of their importance to the setup upon their returns. At the back, things have been more solid.
Others might emphasise that United have only drawn with an understrength and distracted Shamrock Rovers and beaten a local junior side just starting their season. Undoubtedly, the real test lies in the coming ties. In United’s first round of fixtures, they accumulated 16 points. The returns have dropped to eight and six in the subsequent batches of nine games.
Even with a four-point cushion over Sligo, it seems they will need to better both of the former totals to avoid the relegation playoff spot. That means picking up points against the division’s top sides, all of whom have plenty to play for.
The resolve is there. A raucous atmosphere would help immeasurably. A couple of positive outings could make a substantial difference before the showdown with Sligo next time out at home.
