With ten games to go for Galway United in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division this season, the pressure and the tension is ratcheting up.
Such has been the revival of Waterford that by the end of weekend, United could find themselves in the bottom two.
The trip to Dundalk carries significance for both sides. Remarkably the promoted team are still eyeing Europe from their fourth position.
However, there are only seven points between the teams and United will have an eye on narrowing that gap. They have been fiercely competitive but will have been disappointed not to have converted any of their recent draws into wins.
They did scrape over the line on penalties against an impressive Bray Wanderers team to set up an intriguing cup quarter-final against Drogheda. With Waterford and Sligo facing off as well, there is a live possibility that one of the bottom four could make an FAI Cup Final.
Premier Division safety will be the priority for all. United will be happy to have Anthony O’Connor to call upon in the run-in. He showed his experience and leadership already in the cup having just arrived from Harrogate Town.
David Hurley dusted off the disappointment of the penalty miss against Drogheda with a scorching finish on Friday. That will hopefully augur well as goals have been a recent issue.
The squad itself is as strong as it has been all season. John Caulfield introduced five players of experience and quality last Friday and will hope to be in a position to do the same tomorrow night.
They should sense some possibilities as Dundalk’s form has tapered off. This is despite their heavy win against Castlebar Celtic in the cup.
Ciaran Kilduff’s side are winless in their last six league games. Yet, they continue to score freely while earning plaudits for their style. Only Rovers and Pats have scored more in the league, both just one more. Dundalk haven’t been kept scoreless in the league since April 25.
Stopping that run would be a good starting point for a more defensively mean United. With three teams separated by only two points, another positive result may prove critical.
Supporters' bus
A supporters' bus to Friday's Premier Division match at Oriel Park will depart from McGinns, Woodquay at 3pm, with pick-up along the route to Dundalk.
Seats can be booked by contacting Kian Kenny at 087 9404349 or Ronan Coleman at 087 6972823.
