By Mike Rafferty

If ever a team wanted an occasion to help them overcome a setback, then surely a trip to Dublin and a meeting with league leaders Shelbourne is the perfect antidote, and that challenge can’t come quick enough for Galway United who they travel to face the new WNL table toppers in Tolka Park at 2pm tomorrow (Saturday).

United had been sitting top of the pile from the opening game of the season, but last weekend’s slip up against Wexford, coupled with Shelbourne’s 1-0 win away to Treaty United, saw the Drumcondra outfit leapfrog Phil Trill’s side and take over at the summit of the table.

However, Shelbourne do have an extra game played, but the slip up also allowed Athlone Town join United in second position in the table after their 1-0 win away to Cork City.

It will be a first meeting of the campaign between two of the sides, who along with Athlone and maybe Peamount United, look to be the only contenders for title challengers.

Last week’s loss against Wexford was a blow, but it didn’t take manager Phil Trill long to look forward rather than back after that setback when he spoke to City Sport.

“What a game to look forward to. We are the top two in the table and the challenge is huge. They are a real test for us,” he said.

Trill’s reply was brilliant when asked about Shels replacing his side at the top of the table: “Look, they can have it after eight games.

“It doesn’t matter now, but if you are talking about 18 or 19 games in, then it might be a different story. Our job is to improve every week and where we are at the end of the league and cup is all that matters.

“Remember, we won up there in the league last season and we will face this challenge head on. We have come a long way from when we were the underdog and we have a belief in ourselves now”.

Pictured: Isabella Beletic in action for Galway United in their win over Cork City in Headford earlier in the season, as team-mate Therese Kinnevy looks on. Photo: Michael Gough.