John Caulfield: 'Obviously, we know Waterford are a serious team and hot favourites but this win will do us good'

John Caulfield

John Caulfield. Credit: Steve Alfred (ETPhotos)

Paul Corcoran reports from Eamonn Deacy Park

Galway United secured their place in the next round of the playoffs with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Longford Town in the second leg of their meeting with the midlands side.

The Tribesmen progressed 5-2 on aggregate with David Hurley scoring early, followed by late goals from Mikie Rowe and Rob Manley in a dominant performance.

“I thought today was really outstanding, it was a difficult day. Conditions were heavy obviously the weather has been horrendous all week and the pitch was cut up,” manager John Caulfield said, speaking to the press after the game on Sunday evening.

“I thought we were totally dominant, but we just couldn’t get the second goal. Luke (Dennison) makes a fantastic save just after half time, Walshy looked like a stone wall penalty in the first half, Adam (Thomas) heads the ball against the post – it looked like he had to score.

“It was that type of game where we couldn’t get the second goal and put them away. That was frustrating but I thought overall our play was outstanding, the work rate was outstanding.

“It was a good win, and we move on to Friday night. Obviously, we know Waterford are a serious team and hot favourites but this win will do us good.”

As referenced by Galway’s manager after the game – United now go on to face Waterford in the next round of the playoffs after the Blues defeated Treaty United over two legs.

Four of the goals that got United to this point came off the bench with Mikie Rowe scoring twice in Longford on Wednesday and once again at Deacy Park, Rob Manley also chipped in on Sunday night with a final goal to rubber stamp their victory.

“You need guys coming in that can make a bit of a difference. They had thrown caution to the wind they had pushed us back a bit and we were sitting in the last ten minutes.



Certainly, Rob had given us another avenue up top and possibly could have scored from a header himself, Walshy had another at the back post.

Overall, we created lots of chances, it was good to win we just need to get our recovery in over the next few days and prepare for Waterford.”

Sunday’s performance was a marked improvement on Wednesday night’s game at Bishopsgate for the Tribesmen where former Galway player Jordan Adeyemo managed to score a brace, the striker was definitely considered a threat heading into the second leg.

John Caulfield was pleased with the improved defensive effort – with that clean sheet being just their second in twelve games.

“We knew Jordan’s strength, we felt Wednesday night, if you give a striker time six yards out in the box he is going to score.

“Tonight, we were much more tight and solid, we knew the ball over the top was they one they wanted, but overall, the lads did well and we were much more solid.”



Galway United face Waterford at the Markets Field in Limerick on Friday, 4 November (kick-off 7.45pm). The winner will move on to face UCD for a place in the Premier Division.

About Paul Corcoran

Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile