League Preview: Cabinteely -v- Galway United

CABINTEELY

League leaders Cabinteely welcome joint title favourites Galway United to Stradbrook on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

Cabo have enjoyed a superb start to their 2021 campaign, sealing wins at home to Cork City and away to Wexford.

This is the second year in a row that Cabinteely have won their opening two league games of the season.

And their assistant manager Eddie Gormley has said that he is pleased with his sides start to the season – but he is wary of the threat that Galway pose to the hosts.

“We’re delighted with the start we’ve had,” Gormley told his club’s media team.

“They were two good wins. It was a difficult game against Cork last week. But the players dug-in and we deservedly got the three points.

He added: “We’re under no illusion – Galway are a particularly good side. It is going to be a difficult match.

“All we can do is work hard and see what that brings for us.”

Cabinteely will be without Peter Quinlan with a long-term injury.

GALWAY UNITED

After crashing to a dismal defeat away to Athlone Town last time out, Galway United are back on the road again as they travel to the capital to face Cabinteely.

John Caulfield’s side were dealt a harsh lesson last week as they fell three goals behind after 26 minutes at Lissywoolen.

However, the Galway boss is mindful that this week is a fresh start for his side – and he is hoping for a reaction against a Cabo side full of confidence.

“It is a new week and we have been preparing for another tough game against Cabinteely on Friday night,” Caulfield told his club's media team.

“Pat Devlin and Eddie Gormley have done a great job with Cabinteely over a number of years. They are always competitive and always challenging in the league.

“They have won their first two games and Pat has a knack for making his team highly competitive every year.

“We know how difficult a challenge it will be once again; Cabinteely are top of the table and they expect to challenge to get out of this First Division.

“Every team has improved this season, and anyone can beat anyone in this league. We just have to keep working hard and give a much better performance than we did last week. It is a huge game for us.”

Francely Lomboto and Caoilfhionn O'Dea are out for the visitors ahead of Friday’s game.

Referee: Alan Patchell.

MATCH STATS

Cabinteely fell to a late defeat the last time the sides met at Stradbrook – with Stephen Christopher’s last minute free-kick securing what proved to be an invaluable three points for the Tribesmen.

Galway United have only lost once at Stradbrook in their four visits to the ground – with their only one coming in March 2019.

The South Dubliner’s win over Cork City last week was their first win at home since August 2020 – where they also secured a home win over a side from Co. Cork in Cobh Ramblers.

BETTING

Cabinteely 12/5; Draw 23/10; Galway United 10/11.

PREDICTION

Cabinteely 1 - 1 Galway United

Cabinteely

Injured: Peter Quinlan, Andy O’Brien.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Galway United

Injured: Francely Lomboto, Caolfhionn O’Dea.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.