As the season winds down and with just four games left there is still some ambition in the minds and heart of Galway United as they try and secure as high a finishing position as possible in the league, and they host Cork City in Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday (5pm) with the challenge of closing the gap on second placed Shelbourne very much the target.

Phil Trill’s charges finished last season in third in the table, but while leaders Athlone Town are beyond reach on this occasion, second placed Shelbourne are providing the perfect target as they lie six points clear of the Galwegians. They certainly have a difficult run into the conclusion of the campaign, while games against Cork City, Wexford, Waterford, and DLR Waves would appear to offer a softer challenge to United.

While United might be in a challenging position at the top of the table, life is much more difficult for Cork City as they prop up the table, without a win in their last 10 games.

The sides have met on two previous occasions this season, with United coming out on top in both. They met in successive weeks back in June with United recording a 2-0 win in the All Island Cup and they followed it up with a 4-2 away success in Turners Cross, with Niamh Farrelly, Ava Mullins, Jodie Griffin, and Aisling Meaney amongst the goals.

Speaking to Tribune Sport this week, Trill was not getting carried away by the difference of their positions in the league when asked about the possibility of a comfortable game.

“Remember Sligo” was his quick reply, in reference to United’s struggles at home to their Connacht rivals back in July.

“If that game taught us anything, it is that we cannot take anything for granted. Sure, Sligo were struggling for a bit of league form when we played them as well and they were 2-0 up on us at half-time and us at home.

“We turned matters around in the second-half, but it was a warning and the same situation exists with the Cork game this weekend. Games like this are all part of the journey. We solved our difficulties in the Sligo game at half-time and then moved on afterwards.

“We have played Cork City twice this season and won on both occasions, but this is a new game, a new challenge. They include Eve Mangan who is in the Irish international squad, while Jodie Griffin played with us previously.

“It is up to us to ask questions of them and I know we have goals in us. We were missing Emma Doherty through suspension last week against Peamount United and she will be available again.

“Along with Ceola Bergin, the two of them have given us great attacking options this season. They are both very young, but are learning all the time.

“We still have a few injury concerns as Rola Olusola and Aisling Meaney are out, but having an almost full squad available, poses selection issues and that is good. We have had some difficult games in recent weeks, but fashioned wins in both, as we saw off Shelbourne [2-1] and Peamount United [2-1]. That shows that we are in a good place, but the challenge is to keep climbing the table,” he said.

Pictured: Aoibheann Costello in action against Shelbourne in United’s recent home game. Photo: Michael Gough.