Galway United Women clung on to contention for the title with a nervy 3-2 win over a physical Cork City side on their return to Eamonn Deacy Park.
They take the three points forward but there is much to reflect on in conceding two goals to a side who had only scored once in their last seven league games.
Incredibly, United were 2-0 down after 15 minutes. They responded with the trademark character of this group.
They were aided when a mistake allowed Abbie Callanan to halve the deficit after half an hour. She was to the fore of the comeback and had a hand in the delivery for Isabella Beletic who brought United back on terms after the break. She also provided the cross that wound up at the feet of Lucy Jayne Grant, who thundered home to complete the turnaround.
The questions about the mentality of the team have been asked and answered but Saturday will still be a sterner test. Treaty United have been sticky opponents for the top teams. They held Shels and pushed United all the way in the cup. Caroline Penner seems to have made a big impact since arriving from America in the summer, with three goal involvements in her last four games.
Home advantage might help Phil Trill’s team, particularly if a crowd can be encouraged to back the team in front of the cameras on Saturday night. They had strength from the bench to introduce last week in the shape of Aislinn Meaney, Niamh Farrelly and Aoibhín Donnelly. Both of these factors may make a difference if the game is to play out tight and tense as suspected.
With seven games to go, United are in the unenviable position of needing a win to stay in touch. They need to be near perfect if they are to halt Athlone’s gallop to another title. The Midlanders are offering little encouragement, having won eight on the bounce in all competitions.
United need to get to their game in October within striking distance of their rivals. They have to navigate the tougher fixtures on their way there, starting this Saturday.
