Galway United travel to the south-east tomorrow night, to take on a struggling Waterford who remain winless after 11 games.
Waterford’s situation deteriorated further last Saturday, when they lost away to Sligo Rovers, who themselves shot up the table thanks to two wins in a row.
The situation looks ominous for United’s former assistant manager Jon Daly. His side are beginning to be cut adrift already at the bottom. Both he and the club look like they need a win to survive.
United have their own needs after a disappointing defeat in Dundalk. They held out until late in the second half but were second best overall in Oriel Park. Evan Watts pulled off some big saves from Tyreke Wilson and Daryl Horgan to keep United in it in the first half.
The bar also played its part a couple of times, with Galwayman Horgan to the fore for the Lilywhites. Sub Declan McDaid broke the resistance late on with a couple of finishes at the back post, to round off some quick and quality moves.
Stephen Walsh landed a sensational bicycle kick late on, but it proved little more than a consolation. Kris Twardek provided the cross. The Canadian now leads the league in goal contributions. Doing so, while averaging only 51 minutes across the 11 league games, is a huge testament to his impact.
United's firepower key
United undoubtedly have the firepower to cause Waterford problems. However, Waterford’s struggles in this department are a real surprise.
They scored five goals across 10 games outside of their 4-3 loss in Eamonn Deacy Park. Last season, Pádraig Amond, Conan Noonan, and Tommy Lonergan provided plenty of problems. They have been available too, combining for 30 appearances across a potential 33. Yet they scored only 5 goals, the same as Twardek.
Amond did give a reminder of his class in Terryland and will always need to be well marshalled. He has four goals in his last three against Galway United.
Their signings looked promising with the additions of Luke Heeney from Drogheda, Hayden Cann from Derry as well as former Irish international Kevin Long. They have had some good results of late with draws against Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians.
Their need for a win is urgent. Galway United could move 13 points clear were they to take home the win. That provides incentive even in April.
The line-up as ever will prove interesting. A number of shirts still seem up for grabs. John Caulfield selected a back four in Dundalk and system will be his first question. If he makes the same determination, then the personnel are likely to stay the same at the back.
There will be competition as to who will partner David Hurley in midfield. The Corkman leads the league with Dawson Devoy for chances created and is pivotal to United’s success. Aaron Bolger has had a very impressive season to date. Connor Barratt, Matty Wolfe and Axel Piesold have all pressed their cases. Conor McCormack has played a supporting role from the bench.
Up front, Twardek, Walsh, Frantz Pierrot and Francely Lomboto will all vie for inclusion and indeed might all have a part to play. Ed McCarthy is also seeing more game time across a variety of roles.
Last Friday was the only time that United scored this season without getting any points. Waterford have only managed one clean sheet all season.
Yet the bulk of this side turned United over twice last season. The opposition and the importance of the game should be respected.
