Despite the international break, Galway United continue in league action tomorrow night to make up for the missed fixture against Shelbourne.
They come into this game off the back of one of their more disappointing performances after a solid run. The disappointment was however lessened by helpful results elsewhere that mitigated the damage.
Tomorrow night’s game represents a big chance for both sides. United have had this game in hand as a nominal edge against their opponents for some time. Translating that into any form of points would be a significant boost for the run-in.
Shels clinched a vital win last time out away to Dundalk, with two Sean Boyd goals in the last 10 minutes easing anxiety. They can now focus on moving fourth with a win in Eamonn Deacy Park.
For United, the outcome should dictate whether the last four games are about survival or an unlikely run for fourth place. A difficult run-in awaits and avoiding the play-off would be more than acceptable at present, given the home games against Rovers and Pats that lie ahead.
A positive result would also allow United enter into the break before their FAI Cup semi-final with some momentum. Having had a dress rehearsal against Derry last week, it seemed evident that the Candystripes hold some level of advantage. Michael Duffy was a key difference between the sides last time out.
Overall, his side’s form has had a marked upturn since the tumult of summer. They have only lost once in their last 10 games. They will be dangerous opponents - just like they were in 2008 in the same semi-final in the same venue when a Mark Farren goal separated the sides.
There is still a confidence in Galway that a raucous Terryland will be a good equaliser. Tickets have been snapped up for the semi-final with a fervour and it is the game up for discussion even in the midst of important league games.
The side is relatively settled of late. John Caulfield can afford some changes, but has been more hamstrung in his options. There were some notable absentees in Derry. Killian Brouder, Matty Wolfe, Leigh Kavanagh and Ed McCarthy had all contributed handsomely to the season. The latter three have been particularly important of late and there will be some hope that they will be available for the run-in.
The scope to do the improbable is still there for this side but doing the necessary is the focus of this week.
