The international break should afford Galway United some respite in a hectic schedule. There should also be plenty to look forward to in the second half of the season.
The Pearse Stadium sojourn will hopefully capture the imagination of the broader sporting public. The FAI look to have made another unforced error in seemingly failing to support the schedule. It is a difficult pill to swallow out west after apparent accommodations made for games in the Aviva over the last couple of seasons.
However, question marks still linger about Galway United’s next home game at the time of going to press. Galway were drawn Westmeath at home next weekend in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. This provides a significant calendar conflict.
It is a headache he could do without but John Caulfield has other concerns. The good form of Evan Watts means he must be attracting attention with his loan spell expiring in July. Arthur Parker had also impressed until a recent injury. It will be a difficult trick to keep him too.
The mid-season breaks have seen sides strengthen in the last few years. Sligo have often led the way on this. Kevin Zefi is an interesting addition that they have already made. It won’t be enough for United to stand still and challenges them to have another successful window.
On the field, United though have shown plenty of good form. There will be plenty more points needed in the second half if they are to secure their Premier Division status.
They battled well again in Tolka Park for an encouraging point. Frantz Pierrot netted yet another from the bench. He's making a handy habit of that so far this season. He is now their second top scorer behind the impressive Kris Twardek. The likes of Twardek and Pierrot highlight the impressive recruitment by United in the off-season.
United had their doubters going into the season. Sitting in seventh place, level with Drogheda in eighth and a point ahead of Sligo Rovers in ninth, with a game in-hand is as good a place to be in as they could have asked for. A gap of 10-points to rock bottom Waterford makes for comfortable viewing.
Yesterday’s FAI Cup draw would not have displeased the United camp. They were handed a home draw against Crumlin United in the FAI Cup. Avoiding the drop and having a cup run remains the ambition.
