Galway United set for tough Bohemians test in Eamonn Deacy Park
Tribesmen hoping to carry good form from derby win into home clash with the Gypsies
Galway United welcome Bohemians to Eamonn Deacy Park tonight (7.45pm) in the League of Ireland Premier Division in what will be the Tribesmen's last home game before the midseason break.
John Caulfield's side go into the game full of confidence after a 4-1 filleting of Sligo Rovers in last Saturday night's Connacht derby clash in the Showgrounds, and the United manager is hoping that result will draw out the crowds for tonight's game.
"You hope that result will bring a big crowd out. Bohs, after having a run of no wins in nine games, are now after winning their last two. So, you know, and they have a pep in their step because they are after closing the gap at the top and they have Shamrock Rovers to come the following week so they're probably looking at getting a strong run in to that game, but we are look forward to the game," he said.
The Galway United celebrations after last Saturday's win seemed noisier than usual, with Caulfield saying the outpouring of emotion from both the players on the pitch, and the supporters in the away section, was something to be savoured.
"It just shows you the passion and the hardcore following we have. There were big games on TV, the [Glasgow] Celtic one in the morning, and the [Galway] hurlers were playing afternoon, and we still had a massive crowd that came down with us, and they made an incredible noise.
"It's always nice in the home games to send the fans home happy, but there's always something special about the away games. You know what I mean, it is always special to get a win on the road," he said.
Arthur Parker should be back for Bohs and Gianfranco should be back, so, you know, the few that are all injured, hopefully they will be back to give us a few more options
The Tribesmen have a woeful record at the home of their provincial rivals: before last season, they had won just three times in their previous 50 visits to the ground in the league. They have now won twice in their last three visits, last Saturday's win following on from Cian Byrne's brace sealed a 2-1 win in April 2025, but the United manager said the venue remains a daunting place.
"We spoke all week about how difficult it is coming down [here], but the most important thing for us was we needed to come on the front foot and be at it from the very start.
"We were on the top right from the start, we played really well in the first-half, Frantz [Pierrot] missed a header early on, then Wasiri [Williams] scores.
"You're dominating, and then they get a penalty, I'll have to look back at it, it looked soft, the only chance they had, but we turned it around at one-all and Jimmy got a great free-kick to make it 2-1.
"We're disappointed at half-time we are only 2-1 to one up, and obviously in the second-half, they came at us and we had to defend hard, and we were tiring a bit, but the impact of Axel [Piesold] and Lee Devitt, and Francely [Lomboto], and Kris Twardek was immense.
"You could see when they came on, straight away you could see Sligo were under pressure when the balls were breaking, and we were attacking them. They were under pressure because they knew the pace of the lads was going to cause the problems, and hence they started dropping off.
"We got more control and Aaron Bolger and Dave Hurley in the middle of the park got more control, but overall, it was, you know, a very strong performance.
Wasiri at the back was outstanding, there were lots of positive, and Arthur Parker should be back for Bohs and Gianfranco should be back, so, you know, the few that are all injured, hopefully they will be back to give us a few more options."