After Survival Saturday, it is as you were at the base of the Premier Division.
Perhaps the two draws do some disservice to the drama of the day. It was a spirited encounter in Salthill, let down only by a sparse attendance. The surface attracted some ire too but some account must be made for the unusual heat and dryness that preceded the game. It should also be acknowledged that Galway GAA were accommodating hosts and should be applauded for their efforts.
In terms of football, United will have to be content with a point given Waterford’s recent form line. There were positives too from the performance.
In Sligo, a draw was not a bad result from a Galway standpoint. The home team showed some signs of life under new manager Darren Purse, but it was the same old story in terms of late concessions. The visitors will feel they merited a point, having put the ball in the net twice in added time, with one called back for a controversial offside.
The Bit O’ Red were dealt another blow in the week with the loss of their captain, Will Fitzgerald, to Shamrock Rovers for a fee believed to be a club record.
United were looking at strengthening before the window closed, with an emphasis on the goalkeeping situation and in midfield with an eye on the losses of Evan Watts and Conor McCormack. At the time of going to print on Wednesday, nothing was confirmed.
For United, even though a tough game awaits, they have some slight advantages on Sunday when they go to Dalymount. All of their rivals will have played already this weekend, all with similarly tricky assignments. Moreover, Bohs will have had to negotiate a tricky trip to Kosovo to face Ballkani, a game that takes place tonight with Bohs enjoying a 2-1 lead on aggregate.
United’s trips to the capital this season have been a slog. They have two points from seven games, both coming at Tolka Park. Bohs have three wins on the spin in the league as well as a thrilling win against Ballkani under their belts.
However, United do bring some form and optimism with them. Their home stint in Salthill was a footballing success. The team selection worked well on Saturday. Ed McCarthy and Frantz Pierrot caught the eye. The back-line was strong. Stephen Walsh ran himself into the ground, again.
Lee Devitt and Matty Wolfe will have considered themselves the most unlucky to miss out. Kris Twardek made another welcome contribution from the bench also. There will be some temptation to name a rare unchanged team, and some confidence that a stronger bench can make an impact.
A decisive game awaits next week when United return to Eamonn Deacy Park to face Drogheda. Entering that game in a strong position on the field and in the table could be all important.
Supporters' bus
A supporters' bus to Sunday's Premier Division match at Dalymount Park will depart from McGinns, Woodquay at 3pm, picking up along the route to Dublin. Seats can be booked by contacting Kian Kenny at (087 ) 9404349 or Ronan Coleman at (087 ) 6972823.
