The curtain comes down on Galway United's season on Saturday evening in St Colmans Park when the Tribesmen face a Cobh Ramblers outfit needing victory to ensure their promotion play-off place.
Though United comprehensively outwitted Limerick FC at Terryland last Friday, results elsewhere ended the club's promotion dream. Sligo Rovers were crowned first division champions, while Dublin City moved a point clear of Cobh with just this weekend's matches remaining.
Galway United, despite a fine late run, now face another season in the first division. Yet there is real hope that this current team can claim a berth in the higher echelons of the domestic game.
An enterprising second period display against Noel O'Connor's Limerick side offered further evidence that the Tribesmen are an immensely capable outfit when the mood strikes. Limerick came to the Dyke Road and, as expected, tested the resolve of United, who diligently passed the stern examination.
Manager Stephen Lally is building an energetic and attractive team to watch. They battle with vigour and attempt to play with style, but they will need to start the 2006 campaign more efficiently.
Alan Gough did concede two last weekend, but his thrilling performances since the FAI Carlsberg Cup clashes with Cork City were particularly encouraging. The emergence of Alan Keane as a centre half or a right full provides further hope, while the recent improvement in Ronan Frawley's play offers another source of comfort.
Frawley was accomplished at centre half in the neat away win at Station Road the previous week and managed to net two set piece headers in front of an ardent Terryland Park crowd against Limerick FC.
In midfield Colin Fortune did not cut a satisfied figure when he was called ashore last Friday, but Mixie Harty made an instant impact in the centre of the park. John Russell's invention and ability to distribute the ball thoughtfully was in evidence for the second successive encounter.
Derek O'Brien has enjoyed a productive campaign and United followers will trust the talented Tralee native can continue to carry such a menacing threat next season. Philip O'Reilly's versatility makes him an invaluable asset and the former Manchester City youngster netted two neat goals at critical junctures.
Though the injury enforced absence of Barry Moran has robbed United of an enterprising frontrunner, the manner in which Davie O'Dowd and Eric Lavine have played is most encouraging. O'Dowd thumped home his only chance in Newbridge and he grabbed a sweet goal last Friday.
O'Dowd might need to score for a third consecutive match if United are to deny Cobh, but the stakes are higher for Cobh. They must win if they are to achieve a play-off berth and that is certainly a greater motivating force.
* Galway United Supporters Trust is organising a overnight stay in Cobh for the last game of the season. A supporters bus will leave Fibber Magees at 1pm on Saturday. For bookings, contact Ronan at (087) 6972823.
18/11/2005, 4:13 PM
Conor H
This is a must win game for the home side and at the same time they will require Dublin City not to get more than a point from their trip to Athlone. United have only taken one point from Cobh this season and head into their last game of the season without the suspended duo of Philip Reilly and Eric Lavine. With the absence of these players Stephen Lally might opt to play John Russell infront of the midfield linking up with David O'Dowd and David Cooke may feature out wide. Nigel Keady is available after suspension.
