Match Preview: Galway United v UCD

Galway United host UCD at Eamonn Deacy Park for their third home game of the season tonight at 7.45pm.

Last week, Galway snatched a last-minute Wilson Waweru equaliser to draw 1-all against Treaty United last week, while UCD defeated Cabinteely 4-1. 

The students have started the campaign in impressive form, taking eight points in four games, while they have scored the most goals and conceded the least in the division.

Lorcan Healy has been instrumental to that, earning two clean sheets, while at the other end of the pitch, Colm Whelan has scored four goals in four matches. They have played with great composure so far and look assured in defence where players like Sam Todd and Luke Boore have been very important for them. 

Tonight’s hosts will look to players such as Wilson Waweru, who has scored two goals in three matches so far.

Last weekend, Galway equalised against Treaty United late into stoppage time in a game where Conor McCormack was influential. They will need all his experience in the middle of the pitch against a midfield brimming with talent and energy, notably in players such as Liam Kerrigan and Paul Doyle.

The hosts will be wary of their opponents, heading West after just taking two points from a possible nine on the field of play, with their only win of the campaign so far, coming from a committee hearing which handed them a 3-0 win over Cabinteely. 

The experiences gained by UCD in losing to Longford in the playoff at the end of last season has probably stood to them, this time around.

Galway will be strongly aware of the threats posed by the Belfield outfit, who were only denied a Premier Division spot last year by a Longford team who have thrived on their return to the top-tier. 

If Galway can come up with a successful plan to stop UCD’s vibrant attack, they might have a chance of picking up a home win, but if the students play with the energy and creativity they have so far, it would point towards a likely away victory.