Preview | Shelbourne V Galway United (First Division)
“We know how good a team they are, but at the same time we know how good we are as well.” – John Caulfield, Manager
Galway United travel to Tolka Park on Friday to face high-flying Shelbourne at 7.45pm.
The Tribesmen begin the second round of First Division fixtures off the back of a 1-1 draw against Cork City at Turner’s Cross last week. Maurice Nugent scored late on to earn United a point away from home after being down to ten men for the second half.
Shelbourne, who are currently in 1st place on the First Division table and remain unbeaten, have won six out of their last seven outings. Ian Morris’ side defeated 2nd place UCD 3-1 at Tolka Park last Friday to put them five points clear at the top of the table.
United manager John Caulfield is aware of the challenge that faces his team on Friday night.
“It is the start of the second round of fixtures; Shelbourne are on a great run of form and we are looking forward to the game,” Caulfield told the club’s media team.
“We were happy to get a last minute draw in Cork last week after being a man down. The boys showed great character, as they have shown on a number of occasions this season with late goals.
“This week will be another difficult game. Shelbourne have excellent players and probably have a stronger squad now than they did in the Premier Division.
“As I always say, we need to perform to our best. It was a close game between the two teams in the first game of this season. We know how good a team they are, but at the same time we know how good we are as well.
“It is a very tight league; Shels have hit the ground running and are ahead of everyone at the moment. They are setting the pace so far but there is still a long way to go.”
John Caulfield is sponsored by McGinn’s Hophouse, Woodquay, Galway.
Galway United 2021 Squad
Kevin Horgan, Conor Kearns, Michael Garrihy, Conor O’Keeffe, Stephen Walsh, Gary Boylan, Killian Brouder, Maurice Nugent, Christopher Horgan, Shane Duggan, David Hurley, Shane Doherty, Stephen Christopher, Mikie Rowe, Carlton Ubaezuonu, Caoilfhionn O’Dea, Mikey Place, Conor McCormack, Ronan Manning, Ruairi Keating, Padraic Cunningham, Wilson Waweru, Francely Lomboto, Colin Kelly.
Team News
Francely Lomboto and Ronan Manning will be out of action for the foreseeable future due to long-term injuries.
Conor O’Keeffe and Shane Doherty are back in training and could make a return to the squad after being absent through injury.
Stephen Walsh will miss this week’s fixture due to suspension.
Galway United Goalscorers
Ruairi Keating – 4
Padraic Cunningham – 2
Wilson Waweru – 2
David Hurley – 1
Maurice Nugent – 1
Shelbourne v Galway United
Tolka Park, 7.45pm
Referee: Eoghan O’Shea
Assistant 1: Darren Carey
Assistant 2: Jason Moore
Fourth Official: Mark Moynihan
Last Meeting (First Division)
26 March 2021 | Galway United 0-0 Shelbourne
The game will be live-streamed on LOI TV. Season ticket holders receive a free pass for all 135 League of Ireland games and have been emailed their unique access code for Friday’s match. Non-season ticket holders can purchase the game for €5 OR purchase a season subscription for €79.
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