Galway Utd v Dundalk

[Conor H]

Any team news for the game?I reckon were starting to hit a bit of form so im going with 3-1 utd.

Is there a bus going Pd?

[Patrick Dunne]

in Century Homes Park. A supporters bus will be going to the League Cup game in Derry on Sunday, leaving Kates at 1.00pm.

[Conor H]

Ok thanks.

[Terry]

Galway United make the first of two long away treks this evening. Stephen Lally's charges first travel to Century Homes Park for a clash with Dundalk, and then on Sunday evening they head further north for an interesting League Cup encounter with premier division high flyers Derry City at the Brandywell.

Despite not managing to post a victory since April 15, United's recent performances have been encouraging. Last Friday United ought to have defeated Dublin City, but the Vikings escaped with a point following a well contested game.

Manager Stephen Lally is hopeful his team can stitch a winning run together.

"We had a good chat before the Sligo game a few weeks ago. The 4-1 scoreline was really an injustice that night. On Friday the lads were very hurt that we didn't manage to claim a win. It was very disappointing.

"Still we are going to try to get a win against Dundalk. Our confidence is up after the recent displays. The Cork City cup games couldn't have come at a better time really. The players said they would have to stand up and be counted prior to those matches," Lally said.

The Vikings' draw saw the Tribesmen glean a result despite missing a host of regulars. Yet, the United boss was impressed with some of the replacements, particularly Polish defender Marcin Syzmanski, who battled vigorously when thundering into tackles.

"Marcin was excellent against Dublin City. For a guy who hasn't played in 10 games he did a great job against a team who were top of the league when the game started."

The past three games have been illuminated by the splendid Mixie Harty. The former Hibernians youth eclipsed George O'Callaghan in the cup series against Cork, and Harty's energy was a key feature in a positive first half team display against Dermot Keely's Dubliners at Terryland Park.

"We put Mixie in to mind George O'Callaghan of Cork who is probably the best player in the Eircom League at the moment. He was tremendous."

United's next two assignments will reveal a lot about the team's courage and ability. Dundalk netted seven against Monaghan in the cup, but they suffered a humiliating defeat in Kildare on Saturday. Jim Gannon has assembled an experienced squad of players and they will be eager to garner a favourable result in their temporary Monaghan home. Goalkeeper Chris Bennion, Stephen McGuinness, Thomas Morgan, Paul Marney, and the prodigious Ger McCarthy have all sampled premier division action.

Sunday's League Cup at fortress Brandywell will also be monitored by United supporters. Having won this competition on two occasions, United face a Derry City side featuring two former Terryland Park favourites, David Forde and Alan Murphy.

Both players enjoyed fruitful spells in the United shirt and have been outstanding in the Candystripes' bid for honours in 2005 thus far. Forde's admirable propensity to keep clean sheets and the majestic Murphy's outrageous skill were always admired by Galwegian followers. Peter Hutton, Gary Beckett, and the industrious Mark Farren have been other important contributors for Stephen Kenny's efficient side.

A stern test awaits United at the Brandywell, but anything is possible in Cup football. United will travel to both Ulster venues with real hope, and a victory in either game would be gleefully welcomed.

[Conor H]

....3 -o