Few would have had this pegged as a top half of the table tie, even early in the second half of the season.
But Dundalk and Galway United have surpassed expectations and meet tomorrow night at Oriel Park in an important encounter.
United’s gallop was halted last Friday by the weather, after a late postponement of their game with Shelbourne. Dundalk, for their part, secured another creditable draw against Derry City.
It was their sixth score draw of a remarkable start of the season. Their results, but also their style, have won plaudits and United know that they are in for a battle tomorrow night. The Lilywhites have thrived with a healthy blend of experienced professionals in the league, pace and power in attack, and some bite in midfield.
There are some familiar faces too. Bobby Burns snuck a late equaliser for the Dundalk side last time out. Aodh Dervin is often to the fore when facing his old side. Leo Gaxha is only coming back into contention after a strong showing last season.
But United should hold no fear heading into this game. They are on an impressive run and have already matched their opponents in a topsy-turvy contest last month in Eamonn Deacy Park.
They will also feel that they have improved in the interim. Frantz Pierrot made only his first cameo that evening and has scored important goals since despite only making one start. Kris Twardek really announced himself on that night and has been central to United’s success since.
They now seek a rare third win in a row. After winning twice on the Bank Holiday weekend with two very different lineups, there will have been intense competition for places.
The starting XI for the game that did not happen in Eamonn Deacy Park last week offered some clues and also posed some questions. Arthur Parker and Ed McCarthy were both named, which suggested a possible move for Conor Barratt back to the defence or even a change of shape. Aaron Bolger was also back in after missing the win in Drogheda.
Encouragingly, the bench showed options in every line, something United entered the season unsure about. Francely Lomboto and Pierrot represented real dangers on the bench particularly.
A total of 19 players have been utilised so far this season. Most have had significant game time. Only Evan Watts and Gianfranco Facchineri have played every minute. Killian Brouder and David Hurley are the other two to start every game.
Therefore, the starting team is rotating. United are also utilising their bench, making an average of more than four subs per game across their 10 games to date.
It will probably require another 16-man effort. Dundalk play the game at a pace. They have only been involved in a single 1-0 game so far. Their games have averaged in excess of three goals a game.
However, United will look to keep it tight. One suspects that only one clean sheet in 10 will be something exercising the mind of John Caulfield. If they can improve that aspect of their game, they will be confident that they have the firepower up front to land another big away win in Louth.
Supporters' bus
A supporters' bus to Friday's Premier Division fixture at Oriel Park will depart from McGinns, Woodquay at 3.30pm. Seats can be booked by contacting Kian Kenny at 087 9404349 or Ronan Coleman at 087 6972823.
