Galway United Women finish out their stay in Headford with the pick of the ties from the series, a FAI Cup quarter-final against Sligo Rovers.
After the disappointing All-Island Cup Final, United bounced back with a win against DLR Waves last Sunday. They were made to work for it, with both goals coming in the last ten minutes. As has often been the case, United found a way.
They had been on top prior. Emma Doherty was desperately unlucky to see her header come off the bar in the first half. She was close again from another corner soon after.
United were coming closest from set-pieces in windy conditions and eventually one stuck. In truth, it owed a lot to bizarre defending from DLR Waves who stood rooted from a deep free-kick delivery from Niamh Farrelly. Doherty’s persistence eventually paid off as she nodded home.
The points were sealed soon after when a brilliant delivery from Lucy Jane Grant was met by Isabella Beletic.
Shelbourne, who proved their worth just the week previous against United were held the day previous against Treaty which meant United surged past them into second. Athlone bowed out of Europe against the Polish champions at the weekend.
It all means United are two points behind with a game in hand, which comes away to Bohs on Tuesday. Firstly, a rare opportunity for cup progression is there on Saturday.
They will not underestimate Sligo. They had significantly strengthened in the off-season and were fancied to become a force. However, they started the season slowly with no league wins in their first five.
They have since found their form. They are unbeaten in the league in their last nine games, winning six of them, including their last three. They will be desperate for a result on Saturday. They have often come close to United in the past.
Sunday saw a welcome return to the starting line-up for Remini Tillotson. Nicole Nix performed well in goals, with Amanda McQuillan on the bench. The young ‘keeper made a smart save not long before United claimed the lead. Aoibheann Costello was a threat on the right.
United also had the benefit of youth and experience on the bench. They could well need 16 players to get them over the line in a finely-poised Connacht Derby with a significant prize of a cup semi-final to play for.
