Mannion to continue to promote youngsters
Having drawn three consecutive games, Galway United make the short journey to the ramshackle St Mel's Park for the penultimate league game of an erratic season.
While some might argue that United ought to have gleaned a hat-trick of straight victories, the harsh reality is that United's lack of creativity is a lingering problem.
John Russell's vision lit up Terryland Park for the first 20 minutes last Friday evening, but it would be unwise to place such a heavy burden on the Moycullen youngster prematurely.
As expected Tony Mannion placed a real emphasis on experimentation against Monaghan United last Friday. A string of youngsters featured in the squad as the club begins its preparation for a sustained promotion assault next season. Russell was the main protagonist for the home side, but once Monaghan settled, the encounter was delicately balanced.
The most demoralising aspect was United's failure to fashion goalscoring opportunities. Damien Dupuy's skill was conspicuously absent in an attack in which Davie O'Dowd and Barry Moran were starved of possession.
Yet Mannion will have taken some positives from the match. Dave Cooke's education continued as the Kingston teenager showed deft touches on the right before slotting in comfortably at right full. Former Leeds United youngster Luke Byrne made his league debut, while the pacey Padraic Lee is a player of glimmering promise.
Despite self destructing against Finn Harps in Terryland some weeks ago, United have been competitive in the majority of games. Athlone defeated United in the midlands earlier this season in what was a catastrophic result for the Westerners.
Despite not attaining promotion, manager Mannion's passion for the domestic game is unwavering. While Barry Moran and Gary Fitzgerald might be deserving of more playing time, the United supremo will be eager to return from his hometown armed with three points.
* A supporters' bus to Friday's Eircom League game between Galway United and Athlone Town in St Mels Park will depart from Kate's Bar, Galway Shopping Centre at 5pm. To book telephone Ronan 087-6972823.
Judging by this, he doesnt have much choice but the play the youngsters....
Athlone Town v Galway United
United travel to St. Mels Park for their last away league game of the season. Mark Herrick sustained bad bruising to his ribs, hip and thigh last week and is ruled out. Club Captain Nigel Keady picked up a knee injury two weeks ago against Bray and is also ruled out as is Derek O'Brien who suffered a calf strain in the same game. Padraig Lee misses out with injury also. Mixie Harty misses out as a result of his red card last Friday. Nicky Curran is added to the squad after training this week but is still waiting the results of a scan to his knee, while Mick Quirke returns after a calf injury. Conor Frawley is also fit again while Colin Fortune returns to the squad after he was rested last weekend.
ko 7.45pm, Fri, 12th Nov, St. Mels Park
Recent league form
United - dlwlwlddd
Town - llwwdllll
Previous meetings this season
>> League:: lost 1-0(away) May 21st
>> League:: won 4-0(home) Aug 13th
