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Galway United 0

A minute by minute look at how Sunday’s Cup tie unfolded.

The margin for error is slim as Galway United venture into the last 180 minutes of 2008 completely aware that a brace of victories are required.

Suddenly Galway United matter again and planes, trains, and automobiles will be filled with expectant travellers for next Friday’s defining trip to Belfield. It is always fascinating to watch a sporting tale unfold, but this story has been particularly charming.

A dramatic year for Galway United, loaded with crucial contests and strange stories, concludes at the Belfield Bowl tomorrow (7.45pm).

Much in the same vein as any other severe engagement, it boiled down to one thing: spirit. It wasn’t skill or style, but sheer willingness to work that ensured Galway United’s seasonal objective of survival was achieved. A game both dull and putrid it might have been, but that barely bothered those who squeezed into cars and buses on the contented journeys back to the wild west.

Unbearable tension leading to unrestrained joy can best describe the final few seconds of Friday night’s decisive clash at the Belfield Bowl. Football fans can be a pessimistic bunch, and the nagging doubt that surely something will go wrong to tear their dreams to shreds is a nerve-racking experience. Referee Tom Connolly knew better on Friday night, drawing the game to a close 15 seconds ahead of schedule, safe in the knowledge that Galway’s solid defence would not be breached.

While the full gamut of sporting emotions may have been sampled, ultimately 2008 will be remembered as the year in which Galway United staged a remarkable rally to avoid relegation from the Eircom League’s premier division.

Galway Garda 0-14

A string of interesting sub plots ensure tomorrow’s Terryland Park encounter between Galway United and Sligo Rovers ought to be tasty. The shock table toppers against the surprise basement boys, Alan Keane’s return to the ground in which he served with distinction, and the television cameras in attendance will ensure intrigue is attached to the affair.