GALWAY United are entering the ‘must win’ stage of the 2010 season, with tonight’s game against UCD in Belfield (kick-off 7.45pm) certainly falling into that category as Sean Connor’s side must take all three points if they are to harbour realistic ambitions of catching the Students in the table.

With 13 games of the campaign remaining, United are six points behind Martin Russell’s side, but with an inferior goal difference (UCD are +5, United are -10), and so nothing less than a win tonight will be enough in their bid to climb out of the relegation play-off spots.

It has been ‘honours even’ between the sides in their two meetings to-date, the first clash in Dublin failing to produce a goal back in April, while the sides played out a 2-2 draw in Terryland Park the following month.

United came from behind to lead 2-1 heading to the break in that game, but an error from goalkeeper Barry Ryan gifted the visitors an equaliser, and in the end United did well to hang on for a point as the visitors created the better chances in the second half.

If United are to win tonight, they need Karl Sheppard to find his scoring boots – the striker returns from suspension for tonight’s game, having missed the 1-1 draw with Dundalk last weekend. He will be desperate to end his run of 12 league games without a goal, especially before he links up with the Aritricity League squad for the Aviva Stadium opener against Manchester United next Wednesday night, a squad which also includes fellow United player, Stephen O’Donnell.

United will travel without Thomas Heary and Bobby Ryan, the latest players to leave United as the club struggles to keep its head above water finance wise, bringing to five the number of players Sean Connor has been forced to release.

UCD plan for tonight without Greg Bolger, who is suspended, while Brian Shortall, Sean Harding, Graham Rusk and Dave McMillan all miss out through injury.

See also
Tough tests continue for Devon & Mervue – Page 43