Some minds might already be wandering towards a massive FAI Cup semi-final in October, but Galway United can afford no such luxuries, with three crucial games coming at them in a week.
They host Bohs tomorrow night, before travelling to Sligo on Monday. A tricky trip to Derry rounds out a difficult week next Friday.
It is difficult not to have one eye on next Monday. There is usually some rotation needed in such a short turnaround, so even the management will have to view these games as a block. It is a game that has loomed large in the calendar for some time. United would savour a result in the Showgrounds on Monday.
Drogheda and Sligo face off this Friday in an important game at the bottom. Bohs will be keen to hold Rovers’ feet to the fire in the run-in as their great rivals have stuttered of late. United need to keep their noses in front of Waterford and Drogheda.
Every game is laced with importance. Each team will still feel they have something to play for which shows how congested the league is in the middle.
United should bounce into this game after the cup quarter-final win in Drogheda. They didn’t have it all their way up there but it was a committed performance that gives the squad an incredible opportunity. It should engender confidence and positivity in and around the camp.
There should be a slice of realism too. The last time Bohs were in town, they outclassed United for long periods. Dawson Devoy was in top form that day and linked well with other attackers. Bohs are in a good vein of form also, but United will remember a much improved performance against them in last month’s 1-1 draw in Dalymount.
It can’t be as open tomorrow night if United are to get anything. One suspects it won’t be and will be more of a physical contest. United have the players to thrive in that environment.
Leigh Kavanagh will be a loss, unable to play against his parent club. However, Gianfranco Facchineri was a more than capable substitute last week. Wasiri Williams continues to enjoy a fine run. Lee Devitt has thrived in whatever role he has been asked to occupy.
Jimmy Keohane, David Hurley and Ed McCarthy embody most of what is great about this team. Hard-working, unassuming but all with an ability for a moment of class that can turn a game.
It will be a tall order tomorrow, but United are unbeaten in nine games now in all competitions. They will not wish to surrender that lightly. They will not be distracted by a game a month away. They will know they are the business end of the league with a job to finish, to secure Premier status once again.
