Galway United spurned the opportunity to seal their Premier Division status in Waterford on Monday night.
They were undone by a late goal that earned the home side the win. A point would have sufficed to keep United seven points ahead of their rivals.
It should be immaterial. Drogheda and Waterford face each other tomorrow night. A win for either side would confirm United’s status.
Only a United loss, a draw in Waterford and a decent shift in goal difference on the last night could conspire to relegate United.
The other result on Monday night all but ended St Pat’s involvement in a turbulent title race barring a stunning collapse from Shamrock Rovers. It is something that should slightly go in United’s favour.
United had done the Inchicore side a huge favour with a historic win against Shamrock Rovers. However, two losses in three days to Shels and Derry have left Rovers and Bohs to battle it out at the top.
That win was among the high watermarks of United’s season and they will want to sign off on their home games by clinching safety.
The run of results this weekend emblemises this season. United overpowered a Shamrock Rovers side seemingly with one hand on the title after their Dublin Derby win. It felt then that they might have lacked the depth to back that up in Waterford on Monday, despite coming very close.
The disappointment of the cup semi-final was real but the Rovers game was a more than adequate response. United from the outset have responded well to adversity in this campaign and will feel they have earned their status for next season.
However, until it is confirmed, there will be a slight edge in Eamonn Deacy Park. The best way to do it would be to produce a result. It is something United have proved themselves capable of and it would be a fitting end to another interesting campaign in Galway.
