League Preview: Galway United -v- Cabinteely

• Andrew Dempsey
• Thu, May 30 2019




GALWAY UNITED

Looking to bounce back from their damaging defeat away to Drogheda United last time out, Galway United host promotion hunting Cabinteely on Friday evening (kick-off at 7.45pm).

The Tribesmen had only won once at home prior to their most recent home win against Longford Town.

A Vinny Faherty double secured all three points for Alan Murphy’s young guns against the Midlander’s who were unbeaten away up until that point.

Speaking to his club’s official media team, United boss Murphy admits that he is looking for his side to get back to basics after last week’s defeat at United Park.

“We’re on the back of a poor result in Drogheda and a very mixed performance to say the least.

“We need to get back to basics in terms of our performance levels and also bring that confidence level that we have from winning our last two home games into this tough encounter against a Cabinteely side who are very competitive this year and pushing to win the league.

“Every game has been competitive at Eamonn Deacy Park this season, nothing has been got easy and I expect the same application and endeavour from my players on Friday night against Cabinteely.

“We’ll be going to win the game, but we’ll be going with a respect for what Cabinteely have done this season.”

Andrew Peters (ankle), Adam Rooney (foot), Iarfhlaith Davoren (quad), Donal Higgins (Leaving cert commitments), Joe Collins (knee), Conor Barry (calf), Jeff McGowan (hamstring) and Conor Layng (cruciate ligament) are all ruled out in a sizeable list of absentees for United.

Conor Melody also misses out through suspension.

CABINTEELY

Facing their second away trip on the bounce, Cabinteely make the long trip west to face Galway United in what looks set to be a major test of Cabo’s credentials.

Pat Devlin’s side have conceded six in their previous two league outings with no goals to show for their efforts.

Given his side’s most recent disappointment at the Markets Field venue against Limerick, Cabo boss Pat Devlin is hoping for his side to get points back on the board against the Tribesmen.  

“We’re on the road for the second week in succession. We had a bad defeat last week, and we’re hoping to bounce back. Galway are a tough side. I watched them recently against Bray. They are very well organised; are very experienced and have some very good players.

“Points are the buzz word in the First Division - It doesn’t matter how you achieve them. You need a bit of luck here and there. You need to avoid injuries. We’ll do our best against Galway then look forward to Cobh at home before the break.”

Cabinteely note that they will have a few absentees for the game with exam commitments and injuries proving to be problematic.  

Referee: David Keeler.

MATCH STATS

Cabinteely have never beaten Galway United at Éamonn Deacy Park. Cabo only secured their first win over the Tribesmen in their brief League of Ireland history last March with a 1-0 victory thanks to a first-half Rob Manley header.

Galway United have never recorded a clean sheet against Pat Devlin’s Cabinteely in their previous four meetings.

Cabinteely have the best away record in the First Division with 16 points from a possible 21. However, Cabo have only won one of their previous three away league outings.

BETTING

Galway United 21/10; Draw 9/4; Cabinteely 11/10.

PREDICTION

Galway United 0-2 Cabinteely

Galway United

Injured: Andrew Peters, Adam Rooney, Iarfhlaith Davoren, Donal Higgins, Joe Collins, Conor Barry, Jeff McGowan, Conor Layng.

Doubtful: None.

Unavailable: Donal Higgins.

Suspended: Conor Melody.

 

Cabinteely

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.