19.45 17 Apr 2015 -
Referee: Ray Matthews
League Preview: Galway United -v- Limerick
- John O'Shea
- Fri, Apr 17 2015
GALWAY UNITED
Given where both sides currently lie in the table, Friday’s game with Limerick is a big one for Galway United.
Last week they lost a Connacht derby clash to Sligo Rovers, so Tommy Dunne’s side will be most certainly out to make amends when the Munster side come to town.
Giving his pre match thoughts ahead of the game, Dunne is fully aware that Friday’s game is a significant one.
“We’re at home again and our aim is simple, we want to win the match. I keep saying it, we have to do our best to win our home matches. I felt a decision went against us on Friday night against Sligo Rovers and that decided the game.
“Overall, I thought in the Sligo game, we were the better side and created a number of chances but in saying that, we know it’s important that we start well and that we try and get the right result against Limerick on Friday.”
In team news for Galway, Sam Oji serves the last of his four match suspension against his former club.
Long term injury absentees Jason Molloy (broken toe), Kilian Cantwell (knee) and Andy O’Connell (ankle) are all ruled out.
LIMERICK
Limerick will make the trip up to Eamon Deacy Park on Friday night to take on Galway United, fully aware of the task at hand as they search for their first league victory of the season.
The Shannonsiders come into the encounter with three points on the board, courtesy of three draws from their opening seven league games. Last time out they were on the receiving end of a 4-0 defeat to Bray Wanderers.
Speaking ahead on Friday’s game, manager Martin Russell said, “It’s another competitive one on Friday but it’s one if we keep on doing the stuff that we’ve been trying to do that we can come away with a win.
“We need to be more ruthless, probably in both areas, in defending and also in taking our chances. They are the key ends of the game that usually define who wins and who loses games. That’s what we’ll be looking to achieve.”
Limerick welcome versatile midfielder Shane Tracy back into the squad after he re-signed for the club on Wednesday, and they are expected to have a fully-fit squad for the short trip.
Referee: Ray Matthews.
MATCH STATS
This is the first Premier Division game between the sides since the 30th December 1993 when Galway won on the day, 3-0 at Hogan Park.
Limerick have not met Galway in league action since the 2006 First Division season and have lost their last seven meetings with the Tribesmen.
Limerick’s last success over Galway came in April 2005 at the same venue when Derek McCarthy – now the club’s Sports Scientist – and Thomas McGauley scored to edge Noel O’Connor’s side to a 2-1 win.
BETTING
Galway United evens; Draw 9/4; Limerick 11/4.
PREDICTION
Galway 1-1 Limerick
Galway United
Injured: Jason Molloy, Killian Cantwell, Andy O’Connell.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Samuel Oji
Limerick
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
About John O'Shea
John is a Cork based reporter, mainly covering Cork City and Cobh Ramblers. John also reports regularly on Munster Senior League and Cork Youths League football for the Evening Echo. John has also freelanced for …