Galway United Women could secure progression in the All-Island Cup this Sunday, when they travel to take on Lisburn Rangers for the first time in the competition.
It’s been a perfect start to the season, with seven successive wins. Arguably, the most impressive of which came last Saturday when United came from a goal down to beat Peamount United 2-1 in Eamonn Deacy Park.
That win cements their position at the top of the table before some decisive games against the second and third placed teams in May.
Incredibly, it was the third time at home in the league that the sequence repeated. Against Sligo, Wexford and Peamount, United went behind to an early goal only to come back to win each game.
It is not tempting fate to say there is a mark of champions around this squad. A core has tasted All-Island Cup success before. A sprinkling of recruits have also won the highest honours.
The table suggests that they will have to take down champions to become champions in the league. Shels have steadied the ship and Athlone have been faultless since an opening day draw. The returning Dana Sheriff has a ridiculous nine goals in six games for the Midlanders.
This is the opposition that lies in wait after Lisburn. It adds a layer of complexity to Phil Trill’s decision-making on his squad this weekend. Another factor is that United’s emphatic opening win against Peamount gives them some room to breathe in a group where they still have DLR Waves at home to come.
There is also a strong squad to rely on, and the league often commands priority. With all that said, United fielded a strong team against Peamount last time out. Nicole Nix was the only player not to have started a league game in the first XI that day, and she is vastly experienced despite her young age.
Despite the strength of the squad, there are many players United would not want to be without for the crunch games starting on Saturday. Their minutes might be managed accordingly. After those two mammoth games in May, they don’t play in the league again until June 20.
Their credentials will be well tested by the mid-season break.
