Match Preview v Limerick

Galway United take on Limerick at the newly re-developed Markets Field on Saturday night in a crucial league fixture for both clubs.

When the sides met in April, Galway United won 3-2 in an entertaining clash at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Since the mid-season break, United are yet to win a league game; the Tribesmen have lost Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk at home, while drawing away to Sligo Rovers, so Tommy Dunne’s charges will be eager to open up the gap between themselves and the Shannonsiders on Saturday evening.

DUNNE “We have to start converting decent performances into results”
Galway United came within inches of getting on level terms with league-leaders Dundalk last week, but Gary Rogers denied Gary Shanahan with a brilliant reflex save from close range.

United fought admirably from a three goal deficit to claw two goals back but Stephen Kenny’s side showed their class and ruthlessness in added time when they caught the Tribesmen with a sucker-punch.

Galway United boss Tommy Dunne insists his players must learn from these types of games going forward, if they’re to convert them into results.

“On the balance of play, Dundalk we deserved winners but we could easily have stolen a point and that’s frustrating, we had the chances,” Dunne told www.galwayunitedfc.ie.

“Dundalk are a top side, perhaps we showed them a little too much respect in the first half. When we went 4-4-2, we troubled them and we almost got back on level terms.

“It’s frustrating for us to lose two games on the trot at home when we played some decent football but we keep giving ourselves a mountain to climb.

“Limerick away on Saturday night is huge, we need to get back to winning ways quickly.

“As a side, Limerick are improving, Martin has brought in Lee Lynch and it seems he’s trying to bring in a few more decent players so we know it won’t be easy against them.

“We’re all looking forward to playing at the new Markets Field for the first time. Hopefully there will be a big crowd from Galway to get behind the players, because this is an important game for us.”

TEAM NEWS
Sam Oji has passed a late fitness test and the defender came through training on Thursday morning without any issues, he will be available to face his former club on Saturday evening.

Galway United’s only absentee is Andy O’Connell (foot).

O’Connell has joined back up with the squad to finish off his rehabilitation after a positive meeting with his consultant earlier in the week.

REFEREE
Graham Kelly (Cork)

GALWAY UNITED LEAGUE GOALSCORERS
Enda Curran – 10
Jake Keegan – 4
Padraic Cunningham – 4
Ryan Connolly – 3
Jason Molloy – 1
Sam Oji – 1
David O’Leary – 1
Gary Shanahan – 1

FORM GUIDE
Galway United – LWLDL
Limerick – LLLLL

LAST LEAGUE MEETING
17/4/2015: Galway United 3-2 Limerick

PLAYED FOR BOTH CLUBS
Sam Oji, David O’Leary, Vinny Faherty