It has already been a memorable campaign for Galway United, who now mix it with the best on a weekly basis. However, last Sunday’s draw in Tallaght, as well as their penalty defeat the week previous in Tolka Park, is tinged with some regret. Ahead in the 88th minute, it is always disappointing to concede, particularly in the context of an historic win that would have bridged a 33-year gap. John Caulfield will have been more concerned with the impacts these results have on the season. He and Ollie Horgan have demurred on the talk of Europe throughout the season, preferring to point out the distance already travelled. Yet, a bizarre round of results last weekend, with Sligo shipping seven in Drogheda, shows that there are two slots still up for grabs in the top four.
A Tight Race for European Qualification
A point separates third from sixth currently. The expectation is always that Shamrock Rovers will pull through for third, but they are leaving their run late even by their own standards. Another salient factor in the permutation is that fourth is often sufficient when the FAI Cup winner comes from the top three. Unhelpfully, only Derry and Shels remain in contention out of the top six, and they have been paired in the quarter-finals. As such, United entertain the Candystripes tomorrow night in a game of high significance for both.
Derry City's Dominance
Ruaidhrí Higgins’ side have wrested back top spot after a Shels collapse that has seen them winless in four. Outside of a reversal against their bogey-side Sligo in early July, Derry haven’t tasted defeat in their last 11. There have been a couple of disappointing draws against Dundalk but overall Derry are the team to beat currently. They are indeed the bookies' favourite for the league title. They have added Premier League quality to their squad recently with the capture of Andre Wisdom. He will further bolster a stingy rearguard who have only shipped more than one goal twice since mid-April, both against Sligo. More impressively, they have conceded only once in their last five.
Galway United's Resilience
United though, will not lack for belief. The emotional high of the win in the Brandywell this season still carries through. Stephen Walsh launching himself into the away support after scoring the winner is ingrained as one of the iconic images of the season. More pertinently, United are settled and have named the same side for three games in a row. It is an experienced and tough outfit. It blends six with the experience of last season and five new additions from winter and summer. There is strength and impact off the bench. There is competition to get on the bench.
A Battle for the Top
Just 10 points separates the top six sides in the division stretching from the Candystripes to the Tribesmen in sixth as they clash. Despite some teams having just eight matches left, anything remains possible in a league where every side has something to play for. The Candystripes have not looked like title winners in recent weeks, yet they could put themselves in a excellent position if they can bank three points in Eamonn Deacy Park. Few sides take away a maximum return from the west but that is what Ruadhri Higgins is targeting. Higgins revealed a massive setback during the week with the news that Cameron Dummigan is set to miss the rest of the campaign due to an injury picked up last week.
Derry's Setbacks
They have had plenty of setbacks this year and the manager is confident his side can cope. Higgins told the Irish News: “It’s part of football and going into the business end of the season it will give someone else an opportunity to step up. It’s a blow to him and a blow to us but we have genuine quality in that area, albeit different types of players, but I’m sure we’ll be OK. It’ll be a very similar squad to last week that’s available.” Ronan Boyce is back in training to at least bring some comfort. Galway have been a difficult opponent for City, famously winning in the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium earlier in the year as one standout result.
A Pivotal Encounter
City were not overly impressive in winning in Waterford, but did enough in a victory that will give great confidence. Higgins feels his players will warm to this time of the year, however. “We’re on the home straight and we have experience in our dressing room with lads who have been there and done it,” he told the Irish Mirror. “We have staff who have been there and done it. It’s really exciting and it’s to be embraced. It’s a privilege and we’ll crack on.”
It is a wonderful time to be a supporter, to travel up the Dyke Road in faith with the league leaders in town. United fans have kept the faith in far leaner times. The only other game tonight sees their main title rivals Shelbourne face a Dundalk side itching to play a game after being on the sidelines for most of this month.
