- Andrew Dempsey
- Fri, Mar 10 2023
GALWAY UNITED
First Division league leaders Galway United welcome Kerry to Eamonn Deacy Park for the first time on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Tribesmen are clear at the top after claiming wins against Finn Harps, Treaty United and Waterford so far this season.
The most recent of which was their most impressive to date with John Caulfield’s men stifling the threat posed by the Blues at the RSC.
Vincent Borden’s goal was the difference between the sides as the Tribesmen exacted some sort of revenge on Waterford following their play-off defeat to them last season.
But Galway will be keen to ensure that they pick up another three points on Friday night to keep their season motoring in the right track.
United have not issued any team news but boss Caulfield is suspended as he serves the last game of his three-match touchline ban.
KERRY
After picking up their first point as a senior League of Ireland club last week against Treaty United, Kerry continue their search for a first win when they take on Galway United.
The Kingdom took the lead against Treaty United at Mounthawk Park before they were pegged back by a leveller from Enda Curran.
But the result has given the League of Ireland new boys hope that they can pick up their first win sooner rather than later.
“I don’t think any game worries me,” boss Billy Dennehy explained. “We are going into every game to get a result off anybody.
“But obviously resources available compared to what we have at the moment is a vast gap. Galway have been fully professional for a few years with a full-time manager and players…
“In saying that, we are going up there with a few games under our belt as a team and a group.
“Every game we seem to be bringing new things together and Friday against Galway is another opportunity to test ourselves one of the best teams in the league.
“That is what you want as a player, manager and a club – you want to compare yourselves to where they’re at.
“Friday will give us a good indication of how far we have to go.”
Long-term injury absentee Mark Carey is expected to miss out on the game again.
And it is likely that Junior Ankomah and Trpimir Vrlijak will not play against the Tribesmen on Friday night. Midfielder Andy Quaid is suspended.
Referee: Gavin Colfer.
BETTING
Athlone Town 1/9; Draw 13/2; Kerry 18/1.
PREDICTION
Galway United 2 - 0 Kerry
Galway United
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: John Caulfield.
Kerry
Injured: Mark Carey.
Doubtful: Junior Ankomah, Trpimir Vrlijak.
Suspended: Andy Quaid.
