The win in the All-Island Cup set up a challenging home quarter-final with Shamrock Rovers. A repeat of last season’s final, the Hoops have only improved since then and represent a significant obstacle as United seek a historic three-in-a-row.
There was even worse luck when the FAI Cup Draw was made. For the second consecutive year, United were drawn against Shelbourne. To compound the tough draw, against a side that they have lost their last four competitive games against, it is away in Tolka Park.
The more immediate concern is a return to league action, where United have a good opportunity to stabilise with a positive result. Cork’s form has been indifferent at best. Though they have picked up points against fellow strugglers Sligo, Waterford and DLR, they have suffered heavy reversals at the hands of Shelbourne and Wexford.
United were less emphatic than those but did enough damage in the first half. An early goal from Amanda Smith and one just before half-time from Isabella Beletic always looked like being enough.
The most pleasing aspects of the game for Phil Trill might have been the hour that Aislinn Meaney was able to play and the 15 minutes that Lynsey McKey got off the bench. Meaney had started the season excellently, operating on the wing, and providing pace and power. The experience and craft of the veteran captain has been a big miss in the middle and any part she can play in the second half of the season will be a bonus.
There were further starts for youngsters Ava Mullins and Emily Fitzgerald. Niamh Farrelly got only her second and third full 90 minutes in the last two All-Island Cup games.
There are still notable absences. Ceola Bergin has been sorely missed since her knock against Athlone – it was heartening to see her return to the bench last Saturday. Rachel Kearns never managed to reach the levels she had in a Galway WFC shirt in her brief return to the club.
It feels fair to reflect too that the losses pre-season of Berlin, Erickson, Slattery and Russell have all had a profound impact.
The next three fixtures offer United a great chance to re-assert themselves and see what points their competitors can take off one another. The games away to Cork and Waterford and at home to Sligo are far more favourable than what they faced in May.
The second half of the season will be difficult as every route to success in the cups and league has serious impediments.
These fixtures can help set them up for a positive conclusion. Perhaps with a few reinforcements, this team could surprise yet again.
