Estar
25/09/2003, 2:55 PM
Promotion chasing Kildare County will provide FAI Cup semi-finalists Galway United with a stern examination at Station Road this Saturday.
United, defeated on the two occasions they have played at the Newbridge venue, came from behind to glean a point in Sligo on Tuesday evening. While United played out a Showgrounds stalemate, basement boys Monaghan surprisingly divided the spoils with heavy spending Kildare.
Electric for long stretches against Kilkenny, United's tank appeared close to empty in the Showgrounds. The immense Alan Murphy, very much the team's guiding light this term, was unable to travel due to flu and his influence was sorely missed. Armed with 23 goals in his seasonal account, Murphy would have posed serious questions of Sligo's relatively inexperienced rearguard.
Barry Moran, who ploughed a lone furrow for long stretches of the game, produced a flawless performance. Managing to steal a goal despite being starved of quality possession, Moran ensured the merry band of travelling supporters was beguiled by his composed contribution.
Though United laboured for much of the opening period there was a distinct improvement when the issue was delicately poised following the interval. Conor Frawley's harsh dismissal ensured the remaining players assumed added responsibility. Buoyed by the extra workload, the form of some experienced exponents in the United ranks offered ample encouragement for those who made the journey. Robert Forde made a catalogue of impressive saves, while Nigel Keady's defensive mastery was a sight to behold alongside the celebrated ex NUIG duo Kieran Foley and Frannie Carter. With Mike Quirke, unlucky to have been omitted, and Mixie Harty extremely capable, the strength in depth offers further substance to United's credentials.
In the hunt for premier division football Kildare have coped admirably since the departure of manager Dermot Keely. The thoroughbreds, who whipped United on the opening day of the season before posting another victory in Terryland Park, have always proved troublesome opponents for United.
Kildare's squad has a potent blend of youth and experience and the Newbridge-based side will be intent on achieving premier division status in the coming months. Should United hold similar aspirations, a first league victory in Newbridge is a necessity.
* A supporters' bus for Saturday's game departs from Kate's Bar at 2pm. To book telephone Ronan 087-6972823.
United, defeated on the two occasions they have played at the Newbridge venue, came from behind to glean a point in Sligo on Tuesday evening. While United played out a Showgrounds stalemate, basement boys Monaghan surprisingly divided the spoils with heavy spending Kildare.
Electric for long stretches against Kilkenny, United's tank appeared close to empty in the Showgrounds. The immense Alan Murphy, very much the team's guiding light this term, was unable to travel due to flu and his influence was sorely missed. Armed with 23 goals in his seasonal account, Murphy would have posed serious questions of Sligo's relatively inexperienced rearguard.
Barry Moran, who ploughed a lone furrow for long stretches of the game, produced a flawless performance. Managing to steal a goal despite being starved of quality possession, Moran ensured the merry band of travelling supporters was beguiled by his composed contribution.
Though United laboured for much of the opening period there was a distinct improvement when the issue was delicately poised following the interval. Conor Frawley's harsh dismissal ensured the remaining players assumed added responsibility. Buoyed by the extra workload, the form of some experienced exponents in the United ranks offered ample encouragement for those who made the journey. Robert Forde made a catalogue of impressive saves, while Nigel Keady's defensive mastery was a sight to behold alongside the celebrated ex NUIG duo Kieran Foley and Frannie Carter. With Mike Quirke, unlucky to have been omitted, and Mixie Harty extremely capable, the strength in depth offers further substance to United's credentials.
In the hunt for premier division football Kildare have coped admirably since the departure of manager Dermot Keely. The thoroughbreds, who whipped United on the opening day of the season before posting another victory in Terryland Park, have always proved troublesome opponents for United.
Kildare's squad has a potent blend of youth and experience and the Newbridge-based side will be intent on achieving premier division status in the coming months. Should United hold similar aspirations, a first league victory in Newbridge is a necessity.
* A supporters' bus for Saturday's game departs from Kate's Bar at 2pm. To book telephone Ronan 087-6972823.