Playoff Preview: Galway United -v- Waterford

GALWAY UNITED

Galway can feel much better in themselves after successfully handling the challenge posed by Longford Town in the Semi-finals.

A run of just two wins in their last ten games saw them coming into the play-offs in the worst possible form and going behind twice with a Jordan Adeyemo double at Bishopsgate could have further damaged their promotion ambitions.

Mikey Rowe levelled up on both occasions though helping them secure a result. A packed Eamonn Deacy Park was kept on the edge of their seats as both sides had chances to score before David Hurley netted from close range. Late goals from substitutes Mikey Rowe and Rob Manley secured their passage.

John Caulfield praised the impact of his bench. "You need your squad. We needed that impact and thankfully the lads made a massive difference when they came in. They’re a brilliant bunch, they really want to do well for Galway United and there is so much pride there,” the manager said, speaking to the Galway Advertiser.

He recognises the challenge Waterford pose and called for their support to be the difference. "It is a different game to Longford, they have different strengths. No one is under any doubt that we need to better on Friday. If we can have a huge travelling support really behind the team from the start, you can’t underestimate that."

WATERFORD

It might well have been one of those games where everything went horribly wrong for the Munster side. Especially given that they had cruised to victory in the first-leg in Limerick. A Phoenix Patterson double had set them on their way early on and they ultimately went on to complete the win thanks to goals in the final quarter by Junior Quitirna and an own goal by Sean Guerins. Any expectation of it being an easy ride in the second game was given a rude awakening. Two penalties by Marc Ludden and a close range finish by Lee Devitt had given Treaty a 3-1 lead by half-time. A Wassim Aouachria penalty early in the second gave them breathing space before Patterson scored again to equalise.

“It wasn’t the performance you’re looking for, but I think we have to give ourselves credit for getting the job done more or less in the first leg. Hopefully the second half will stand to us now for the game against Galway,” Darragh Power said, speaking to the club’s website.

 “Galway United will be a tough test. We know what they’re like from playing the league games, so we’re looking forward to it. We’ll be well prepared going into the game. We’ve trained hard for the week and got ourselves right for the game.”

Referee: Alan Patchell

MATCH STATS

It has been quite even in the four league games between the sides so far. Galway opened their home season and found themselves two down by half-time. They came back to draw with goals by Adeyemo and Stephen Walsh. Manu Dimas gave them victory in the first game at RSC while Waterford took a measure of revenge with a comeback win in August. Idowu and Patterson sealing the points against ten men visitors. Killian Brouder was the only scorer as Galway claimed a home win in July.

BETTING

Galway Utd 13/8, Draw 12/5, Waterford FC 13/10

PREDICTION

Galway Utd 2-1 Waterford FC    

Galway Utd

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A

Waterford FC

Injured: Roland Idowu

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A