Preview: Galway Utd vs Longford Town

Rarely has a 1st round League Cup tie carried as much significance as it does for Galway Utd on Tuesday night. The visit of Longford Town has assumed vital importance, as the club seek a first win of the season under the temporary supervision of Billy Clery.

Another slender defeat on Friday night. Another goalless 90 minutes. Another soft goal conceded. Seemingly little has changed, but it was impossible to expect Clery’s side to illicit three points from United Park with such depleted resources. That a number of players exceeded previous efforts was noteworthy, but now a win is desperately required.

With Derek Glynn and Stephen O’Flynn still sidelined, Mark Leech and Vinny Faherty look likely to be the starting strike force. Neither has scored in competitive action for Galway to date, so it is imperative that they get off the mark soon, as their efforts will be critical to Utd’s chances over the coming weeks.

Longford themselves are without a win in four games, having flattered to deceive with a four goal hammering of Sporting Fingal on the opening day. Galway took seven points from their league encounters with the midlanders last season, and will be hopeful that even with a depleted squad they can progress to a 2nd round clash away to Sligo Rovers.

With tempting distractions elsewhere in world football on the night, and the West in the middle of a cold snap, it will be interesting to see how many of the faithful who were shouting for Cousins’ head brave the conditions for a trek to Terryland Park. Their team badly needs their support.

It could possibly be a long night for all involved as extra time and penalties may be required to decide the issue.