Three days in May is not the name of a new book or film, but a time when Galway United went from being league contenders to also rans. Third in the table following good early season form saw them as title challengers, but three losses in succession put paid to any such ambitions.

Home defeats against Athlone Town (0-3) and Treaty United (1-3) and an away setback against Shelbourne (1-2) sent them plummeting to seventh, as defending champions Athlone Town and Shelbourne strengthened their position in the top two.

They are the only sides with consistent form, but back-to-back wins over Cork City and Waterford have since moved United Women up to fourth in the table in a position of respectability.

Cup competition has taken centre stage for their last two outings, but they return to league action tomorrow when they take on Sligo Rovers in Eamonn Deacy Park (5pm) for a contest against Sligo Rovers.

Games between the pair are generally close, but the north Connacht side are just a few years in the league and are still struggling to find their feet at this level. They have picked up just five points from 11 outings as they lie second from bottom of the table: a win over Peamount United and draws against Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers gave them their only satisfaction in the campaign to date.

United emerged 3-1 winners when the sides met in the Showgrounds back in April, as Emma Doherty scored twice against her former side, with Emily Fitzgerald getting her first senior goal at this level for the third

The arrival of July means the transfer window opens in the League of Ireland and the merry-go-round of players starts, and from a United point of view, the only confirmations so far are the departure of Jodie Griffin to Cork City, and the signing of former Galway WFC underage player Aoibhinn Donnolly.

“Two players have left the club as Shauna Fox and Rachel Kearns have moved on, but we hope there will be one or two coming in,” United manager Phil Trill told City Sport.

“We are a little light in certain positions, but the good thing is that, bar goalkeeper Jane Merren, who has a long term injury, we have a fit squad”.

The manager was also pleased with the victory over Shamrock Rovers.

“I thought it was a really good performance. We got our rewards early on with the goals and that certainly allowed us to settle in. I have to credit Ceola Bergin. She was out injured for eight weeks and those goals will be a huge boost for her confidence.

“Two of the goals were from set-pieces and we have worked on them and it is great when they come off. As we all know this was a cup tie and as the defending champions, we take great pride in attempting to defend our title and we can only look forward to meeting Wexford at home in the semi-finals.”

Trill was also aware of the relevance of the provincial challenge they face against Sligo Rovers.

“Remember, this is a Connacht derby. We have to foster that and we have to get people behind the team. We want to build on our recent performances and while they [Sligo] might not have enjoyed the best of results so far, they will be coming to Galway looking to get some reward.

“They have also added some fresh faces and no doubt will be up for the challenge. We want to continue to improve and on our day we can beat anybody and as a result we will hopefully climb the table,” he said.

Pictured: Ceola Bergin scored twice for Galway United in their All-Island Cup quarter-final win over Shamrock Rovers.