Galway v Sligo

**Conor H** · 09/10/2005, 1:36 PM

Any predictions this week?It's probably the biggest game we have left and we can't go a whole season without beating them.I fancy us to win it 3-1...maybe 2-1 but either way i think we'll win it.Looking forward to the trip... seems to be a fair few going.

**Terry** · 10/10/2005, 7:36 AM

I'd be happy with a draw !

**McSligo** · 11/10/2005, 8:04 AM

Rovers must win all their home games to maintain the advantage at the top,
so I'm expecting a hard fought home win 2-1

**The Stars** · 11/10/2005, 7:03 PM

1-0.expecting a good game and us to keep a clean sheet.
How man of ye boys are coming up?
And are there many Galway fans living in Sligeach going?

**Conor H** · 11/10/2005, 8:32 PM

Originally Posted by The Stars

1-0.expecting a good game and us to keep a clean sheet.
How man of ye boys are coming up?
And are there many Galway fans living in Sligeach going?

There is a fair few of us travelling alright so there will be good atmosphere,on our part anyway.I'm don't know any Galway people living in Sligo.

**exiled_gufc_fan** · 11/10/2005, 9:19 PM

From the latest edition of the Sligo Weekender, as delivered by the latest Google News Alert for "Galway United":

Next up for Sligo are Galway United at The Showgrounds and, personally, I feel this present side is one of the weakest Galway sides I have seen in years.
The westerners have essentially nothing to play for and although there are no easy games, I feel that Rovers, with the huge incentive of a First Division title at stake, can go on and win this tie.
As always, the supporters will have a big say in the matter. Once again, I fervently expect a big turn out on Saturday night and it is vital that the fans get behind the team and the manager on what is now the home straight.
The manager, for his part, will not be found wanting. Sean Connor has given all the fans a wonderfully exciting season and now at this crucial stage, I am certain that the final and steepest ascent can be surmounted.
By and large, Rovers are a young side and it is only natural that nerves will come into play. This is where the good manager can really earn his bread. Assuming that everyone is fit and well, it can often be those well-chosen words, before or during a game, which can ensure that your team come out on top at the end.

**sligoman** · 11/10/2005, 9:52 PM

Would you disagree with that exiled GUFC fan?

**Terry** · 13/10/2005, 2:49 PM

The past fortnight has injected Galway United supporters with real optimism, but Saturday's joust in the Showgrounds against table toppers Sligo Rovers represents the key test as to how effective the Tribesmen can be against quality opposition. (Kick off 7.45pm)

So impressive in the victories against Athlone Town and Kilkenny City, United will travel to the northwest confident of grabbing another positive result. However Sean Connor has built a neat team in Sligo, and they should be crowned first division champions in the coming weeks.

Although a Galway victory would be unexpected, there has been a real edge to the Connacht derbies this season. On a Tuesday night in early April on the Dyke Road Sligo comprehensively outwitted Galway and should have won by a far more convincing margin than 2-0. In the most recent Showgrounds meeting there was much controversy as Sligo eventually emerged 4-1 victors, but the off-the-ball felling of Barry Moran by Gerry Carr was spotted by many incensed Galwegians. In early August Galway controlled the third instalment, but failed to beat Sligo in a thrilling encounter.

All the portents suggest that next Saturday's clash will be brimming with passion. United need to defeat Sligo to have any chance of making a bold late push for promotion and considering the team's recent displays anything is possible.

Alan Gough continues to demonstrate what an agile goalkeeper United possess. Alan Keane's emergence might even see the tigerish Nigel Keady switch to right full where his pace could be used in tandem with Derek O'Brien or Alan O'Donovan.

Ryan Casey's cultured left peg has fashioned a raft of chances in the past three weeks, while the midfield industry of Mixie Harty has been phenomenal. Since eclipsing George O'Callaghan in two Carlsberg Cup ties, Harty has confirmed his emergence as an outstanding midfielder.

United will be without Harty in the Showgrounds, but John Russell is a footballer of promise and his sorcery could upset a Sligo team that is likely to be direct and physical.

Out wide O'Brien has been consistent this term and will relish the clash against his former team as will O'Dowd, who could emerge as a key protagonist in the northwest. A Galwegian success would provide further encouragement for manager Stephen Lally, who is clearly growing into the demanding role.

Lally's patience and direction deserves to be rewarded. Another aggressive United performance will undoubtedly trouble Sligo and this Saturday's game promises to be a rollicking adventure.

* A supporters' bus to Saturday's Eircom League game versus Sligo Rovers will depart from Fibber Magees, Eyre Square, at 4pm sharp. Seats can be booked by ringing Ronan 087-6972823.

**jambo08** · 13/10/2005, 6:49 PM

what will the starting line up be?

**Conor H** · 13/10/2005, 8:38 PM

Originally Posted by Vinny

as i haven't been to the last 2 matches

1.Gough
2.Frawley
3.Casey
4.Clery
5.Keane
6.Fortune
7.O'Donovan
8.Russell
9.O'Dowd
10.Lavine
11.O'Brien

Subs
Keady
Cobey
O'Reilly
Cooke
Goldbey

Even though Alan Keane had a good game last week i can't see him dropping Nigel to the bench.

**feo123** · 13/10/2005, 8:46 PM

Has Barry Moran left or is he injured? why wouldnt ya play him otherwise?
I think 2-0 to the bit o' red!

**Conor H** · 13/10/2005, 8:47 PM

Originally Posted by feo123

Has Barry Moran left or is he injured? why wouldnt ya play him otherwise?
I think 2-0 to the bit o' red!

He broke his ankle a couple of weeks ago and is out for the remainder of the season.

**jambo08** · 13/10/2005, 9:07 PM

but why should alan keane and philip o reilly be dropped. kilkenny are a good side so why change the team.

**Conor H** · 13/10/2005, 9:38 PM

Originally Posted by jambo08

but why should alan keane and philip o reilly be dropped. kilkenny are a good side so why change the team.

Good point...i think that O Reilly will start but he won't drop Nigel,who is the captain, just because Keane had a good game.

**Terry** · 14/10/2005, 7:15 AM

I would start

Gough
Keady...Keane...Clery...Casey
O'Donavan...Fortune...Russell...O'Reilly
Lavine...O'Dowd

subs.

Cobey
O'Brien
Goldbey
Frawley
Curran

**Aaron GUFC** · 14/10/2005, 10:08 AM

I think it'll be a 1-1 or 0-0 draw. I cant see us winning this one as we dont have enough quality, but if the team can conjour up something for the sake of the fans we could pull off a win. To be honest im being generous as we probably will lose

This club needs a revamp!

**Red4Eva** · 14/10/2005, 12:21 PM

i think we're due a few goals so 4-1

**Conor H** · 14/10/2005, 2:33 PM

Originally Posted by Rogue Trader

I would say if you boys bring 20 to 25 to your 4th Cup final of the season you would do well ! You only brought about 10 last time

Oh good one!!

**Conor H** · 14/10/2005, 2:49 PM

Mixie Harty is suspended for the away trip to Sligo Rovers but Stephen Lally welcomes back Captain Nigel Keady and striker Eric Lavine after both were forced to sit out the victory over Kilkenny City last weekend.