Galway United succumbed to a second late goal of the season in Inchicore on Monday night. It was another cruel blow for a United side who had been resolute.
Their shape was compact and became even tighter when Aaron Bolger replaced Stephen Walsh after a half an hour. They had their moments in attack too. Arthur Parker’s shot was deflected agonisingly wide after a raid forward on the right.
But it was their rearguard action that impressed most. Connor Barratt marshalled Kian Leavy well for most of the game but the forward stole free late on and lashed home from outside the box. Williams, Brouder and Facchenerri will have been particularly aggrieved. They were strong and tigerish throughout.
The midfield worked their socks off. Kris Twardek added quality again when he came on.
Yet, none of it was enough on Monday. On Friday, United had too much for Sligo. Indeed, they will have regretted not winning by more. It was a strong and confident performance. Both outings put together offer a fair measure of where United are.
Once again, John Caulfield has put together a side in his own image. Dogged, determined and hard to beat but with quality in key areas.
Friday will offer another important test against a side that has also started well.
Dundalk had some creditable results before becoming unstuck themselves against St Pat’s. Like United, their start was more impressive than their haul of points suggests.
Maybe there should be no surprise that they made an immediate impact on the division. They signed proven campaigners. Danny Mullen, Rob Cornwall, Keith Buckley, Bobby Burns and JR Wilson have augmented a young and talented group. They may need to rely on that experienced cohort tomorrow night.
United should still be buoyed despite the disappointment of Monday’s ending. They should also be realistic enough to know that it is games like Dundalk at home, rather than St Pat’s away, that will define their season.
