Despite an unbeaten three game run culminating in the defeat of Airtricity League leaders Shamrock Rovers last Friday, UCD manager Martin Russell is taking nothing for granted as his squad heads west on Saturday in an attempt to consolidate its Premier status at the expense of fellow playoff contenders Galway United.
"The run has been good for our confidence and points tally but that apart it's history," explains Mr Russell. "This League is very competitive and there have been occasions when we might have won games that we didn't."
"An example was our one-nil defeat at the hands of Galway at the Bowl in July. It could be just as tight at Terrylands on Saturday and we need to be fully focused to perform to the best of our ability. This is a very important game."
Beleaguered Galway boss Sean Connor agrees, citing the clash with UCD as the biggest game in Galway's history over the last fifteen years in appealing for maximum support for his team on the night.
"If we lose we're in the playoffs," is Mr Connor's honest appraisal.
For UCD Chris Mulhall has made good progress since his hamstring strain against Rovers but remains doubtful. Long term absentee Sean Harding has started training again but is some way from returning. Otherwise Martin
Russell has a full squad raring to go including some regular members of the team now only sidelined by the excellence of those who have deputised for them.
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