Newbridge victory a necessity for promotion hopes

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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.

[Gus03]

Should be a great match. Galway have won 5 out of their last 6 games. Hope Kildare win as I have a fair few quid on them to win with a few Galway lads. They think they owe us one, after two defeats this season.

See you in the bar for a few beers, if you are allowed (hope your not drinking that red bull **** still, I'll have a large bottle of cider )

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The quare one is going to the match with me, so drinking is out. What were you drinking in McDowells at the Pat's match, you were very bad
We have to get stuck into these from the start. Ben will have to keep murphy quite. Can't see them holding Philly. We need a win badly.

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Hope Say makes it, Bad news about Marc kenny. Hope we don't struggle in midfield again.



Kildare need win

Kildare County v Galway United (7.30 pm) Kildare County will be hoping to rediscover thoroughbred form when they entertain Galway United at Station Road on Saturday night, September 27.

Eric Hannigan’s charges will be anxious to resume winning ways after being held by both Limerick FC and Monaghan United in recent outings.

The Newbridge side would have the chance to claim top spot if they had won neither of those games and now need to get something from this outing to remain live contenders for automatic promotion.

Hannigan has warned his charges against any further slip-ups and anxiously awaits the result of a fitness test on Shay Zellor who has been out of action for the last month. The Newbridge based side will have to plan without the injured Marc Kenny and Alan Keely.

Galway United skipper Mark Herrick has conceded it will take a spectacular run of form if his side are to push their way into contention for promotion and this weekend they will have to plan without the suspended Conor Frawley.

It’s unlikely the sides will provide a reprise of the eight-goal thriller they

provided at this venue on the opening weekend of the season. Kildare County emerged 5-3 winners on that occasion and were rather fortunate to come away from Terryland Park with a 1-0 success in early July.

High scoring wins over Limerick FC (4-3) and Kilkenny City (4-1) were followed by a 1-1 draw at Sligo Rovers during the week.

Tony Mannion’s charges will have to put aside thoughts of their forthcoming

Carlsberg FAI Cup semi-final clash with Longford Town aside for ninety minutes as they bid to their alive their fading hopes of making the play-offs for the second year running.