Tomorrow night, Galway United host Shamrock Rovers in a game of consequence at either end of the table.
There has been little time for the disappointment of last Saturday to dissipate. Many saw last Saturday as bonus territory but the hurt of another semi-final cup loss is unavoidable, especially for a club whose sole cup triumph lingers so large.
The flatness remains also because United failed to fire again on the big stage. As has often been the case, Michael Duffy proved to be the difference between the sides.
Conversely, Shamrock Rovers enter the contest on the back of their best weekend of the campaign. They did United a favour on Thursday, beating Drogheda. They did themselves a massive favour in edging arch rivals Bohs in a tempestuous Dublin derby.
Both sides have their fate in their own hands. Rovers, by their own pronouncements, have ended Bohs interest in the title. They now have to fend off St Pat’s.
Galway United have a comfortable advantage over Drogheda with a superior goal difference, four points and a game less played. They will likely adapt a pragmatic approach to getting the few results necessary.
Tomorrow night will be their biggest test. Rovers, with momentum, will be backed by a raucous away support who sense their opportunity to claim a title that will be as sweet as any of those gathered under Stephen Bradley.
However, any type of positive result would strengthen United’s hand for their decisive trips to Waterford and Drogheda.
The trip to the south-east follows quickly on Monday. As shown on Saturday, United are short on numbers, particularly when looking to compete in these double game weekends.
There was some impact from the bench after a below par first half. United were a much improved proposition in the second half and did push to get back into the contest. That will form part of the considerations for selection.
On a more fundamental level, it is likely that John Caulfield will be seeking to provoke a reaction from his side this week. They will need to start fast to raise a crowd in need of a lift.
They will also need to counteract Rovers’ myriad of threats. Graham Burke was outstanding on Monday night. John McGovern has been in lethal form. Jack Byrne and Dylan Watts can conjure magic.
One does not even need to mention United’s record against Rovers to be pessimistic for this game. John Caulfield’s teams have gotten closer than previous and have a reasonable record of earning battling draws. That would be more than welcome to set them up for the run-in.
