Mid Season Report Card - Galway United

Club: Galway United.

Manager: Tommy Dunne.

Stadium: Eamonn Deacy Park.

Highest attendance this season: 2,245 vs. Derry City (March 6th, 2015).

Highest league goalscorer: Enda Curran (8 goals).

Mid season position: 7th.

How we thought they would do

For any team coming up from the First Division to the Premier, survival is always the objective. However, with Galway United there was real optimism for the season ahead from the fans and players, and indeed the manager Tommy Dunne, that they could aim higher. Yet Dunne was acutely aware of the pitfalls of playing better opposition week in, week out – he knew Galway could compete, but worried about whether or not they had enough in the tank to last the season.

The Tribesmen were expected to survive rather comfortably. There are teams in the top-flight who do not have the quality which United possess in their squad.  The real optimism stemmed from whether they could take a few big-name scalps every now and again. Then, and only then, would United contemplate entertaining thoughts of, dare we say it, European qualification. A long shot, regardless.

How they really have done

One of those big-name scalps has already been taken: the 5-3 home defeat of Bohemians in May. Unless, of course, you still consider Derry City a big name - history would dictate that they are, but on present form the Candystripes are anything but (though they did triumph 2-1 in Eamonn Deacy Park on the opening day of the season to ruin United's Premier Division return). Yet Galway have been unlucky at times against the better teams this season. Both Sligo Rovers and even Cork City should consider themselves a tad fortunate to come away from Eamonn Deacy with all three points.

United’s defending from set-pieces has let them down time and again. In fact, the three goals conceded by United in the 3-1 defeat to the Rebel Army two weeks ago came from two free-kicks and a corner. Galway had them on the rack for most of the second half with a one goal difference between the sides, but the Leesiders' defence held firm before City sealed the win with a third goal nine minutes from time. 

There’s plenty of quality going forward in Dunne's side – United have scored 21 goals this season, the highest at present of any side outside the top five. However, the Dubliner knows that if his team don't imrpove defensively, more often than not they will drop points - they Tribesmen have conceded 29 goals this season, the same amount as Sligo with only Bray Wanderers (31) and bottom of the table Limerick (34) having worse records.

United currently sit in seventh place - comfortably mid-table, one point behind Longford Town with both teams having a game in hand over everyone else.  Before the break, United travelled to the City Calling Stadium and beat De Town 1-0 for their third away win in eight games. Looking ahead, United will head into the second half the campaign in a confident and bullish mood, and if their top players can stay injury free, who knows what can happen?

Moment of the season so far

The back-to-back league and EA Sports Cup victories over Dublin side Bohemians three days apart from each other in Eamonn Deacy Park. Over a weekend in May, Galway took the Gypies down the Corrib and back again for six goals, three points and a place in the semi-final of the League Cup.

Star player - Stephen Walsh

The proverbial rock at the heart of the United defence and the fans’ spiritual leader on the pitch. Such is the quality of the man as a footballer, ‘Walshie’ played up front for Mervue United and was as successful in that position as he was at left-back. His bravery, technique and strong heading ability are vital ingredients to the success of this Galway United team. He is most definitely suspect to a yellow card every now and then, but his heart is always in the right place.

Surprise star player - Andy O'Connell

The former Cobh Ramblers defender impressed early on in the season. The 22-year-old, who is 6’4, started the opening game against Derry and has made eight first-team appearances in 2015, scoring his first goal for the club in the 4-2 EA Sports Cup win over Cockhill Celtic in April. However, he could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a foot injury, with the club confirming that he needs to see a specialist after the mid-season break to determine the extent of the problem. He still needs more experience at this level, so expect Tommy Dunne to utilise him on his return to full fitness for the season run-in.

Young player - David O'Leary

There must be something in the water in Cork, what with the way they produce central midfielders. David O’Leary has really grown into the club and his role in the middle of the United midfield during the course of the season. From day one, his ability was plain for all to see, but he looked nervous and seemed to be going through a teething problem in his initial appearances in the maroon shirt. However, the 22 year old has since settled and when he came up against two fellow Corkonian midfielders in Colin Healy and Liam Miller, O’Leary seemed to relish his role of snapping at the heels of Miller while putting Cork on the back foot with his passing ability. He epitomises this United team: youthful, skillful and fearless. Galway will need more of O’Leary’s ability later in the season.

What they need to do in the transfer market

The acquisition of a solid and experienced goalkeeper who could nail down the number one jersey should be at the top of Dunne’s mind. Conor Gleeson (seven appearances), Ger Hanley (five appearances) and Conor Winn (four appearances) have all been given a chance at various times this season to stake a claim - but, as yet, none of them have done enough to make the position their own.

Where we see them finishing

Optimistically speaking, Galway could finish fourth or fifth, but this would require a vast improvement on their defensive record - they have kept just four cleansheets in 16 league games so far. In reality United should finish mid-table comfortably enough, barring no serious injuries to their important players.