Galway United -v- St Patrick’s Athletic

• Simon O'Gorman
• Fri, Sep 03 2010


Title challengers St. Patrick’s Athletic travel west on Friday night to face Galway United in the first of the final series of league games. And while Pete Mahon’s men will be looking to close the gap on Shamrock Rovers at the top of the table their hosts will be hoping to gain three points in their attempt to steer clear of the relegation play-off places. (Kick-off 7.45pm)

While a quick glance at the league table will support the Dublin side’s claim to the three points on offer, Galway are in the middle of a decent run that has seen them progress to the quarter-finals of the FAI Cup and win three of their last four league games.

Wins against local rivals Salthill Devon in the Cup and, crucially, against UCD, Bohemians and Drogheda in the league will give the Terryland faithful hope that their side can register their first win against Pats this season.

Manager Sean Connor will be without midfielder Gary Curran who is suspended and will have to wait on fitness tests on both Ciaran Foley and Rhys Meynell.

"Friday's a massive game for us”, said Connor, “and we are on a nice unbeaten run at the minute which is encouraging. We have caught a bit of form, but Pat's are one of the teams that we haven’t taken any points off”

"Physically they are a bigger team than us and that could cause us a few problems, but the confidence is high at the moment. Dundalk play Bray and UCD play Drogheda so it is a vital weekend for all the teams and lots could happen. We need to pick up something from our game to keep us in a good position. I am very happy with the run and what these players are achieving is fabulous.”

The visitors have only lost once in their last eight league games and that came against bottom side Bray Wanderers three weeks ago. Other points were dropped in draws with Sligo, Bohemians and Sporting Fingal but with many having expected the Inchicore club to fall away from the leading pack they are currently proving their doubters wrong.

Having said that defeat to the Tribesmen on Friday could leave them eight points off the leaders Shamrock Rovers with just eight games to play. Putting Sean Connor’s men to the sword must be considered a necessity if Pats are to continue to defy expectations and make a serious play for the title.

Galway United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Ciaran Foley, Rhys Meynell.
Suspended: Gary Curran.

St Patrick’s Athletic
Injured: Gareth Coughlan.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer.
Extratime prediction: A 2-1 win for the visitors.