Treaty’s Attention Turns to play-off after Wexford Defeat

As the curtain came down on the regular Airtricity League First Division season at the Markets Field last night, Treaty United’s attention would have quickly turned to next week’s two-legged affair after a 0-2 defeat to Wexford FC which was their first defeat against Ian Ryan’s side in 2022. Goals from Jack Doherty and Dinny Corcoran gave the visitors the lead against a much-changed Treaty side which showed 7 changes from the cup semi-final defeat against Derry five days previously.

Multiple changes were expected with such an important 7 days to come. Firstly, Tommy Barrett’s side host Waterford at the Garryowen venue tonight and travel to the RSC three days later with both games kicking off at 7.45. The Limerick side are no strangers to the promotion/relegation play-off series having reached the same stage in their first year in formation in 2021.

On that occasion, UCD ran out 4-2 winners on aggregate but that only begins to tell the story. It looked as though Treaty’s chances of advancing had evaporated at a well-attended Markets Field as the Students brought a 0-3 win back to Dublin. However, Barrett had instilled a huge belief and determination in his players, and they raced into a 0-2 lead on the night courtesy of goals from Conor Melody and Anthony O’Donnell, but Steven Christopher was shown a straight red card and with that, Treaty’s chances diminished and UCD went on to gain promotion.

Arguably, reaching the play-offs on this occasion is more impressive, Treaty caught many teams by surprise last season, but the opposition were keenly aware of what they would bring to the table in 2022. Also, Treaty had to contend with the loss of key players such as Tadgh Ryan, Clyde O’Connell, Sean McSweeney and Anthony O’Donnell for a variety of reasons. Ryan was a stalwart between the sticks last season and the other three players contributed handsomely to the team’s achievements at both ends of the pitch.

Although replacing such key players was a challenge, signing Enda Curran from Galway junior side Mervue United has been an inspired signing. Curran has scored 18 goals in all competitions and has become a real goal poacher. Jack Brady’s return from Shelbourne was also timely due to the loss of Ryan to Bohemians and even though he had big boots to fill, Brady has performed well and kept several clean sheets. Dean George and Conor Melody coming through pre-season fully fit was also like two new signings for the club.

Despite enjoying a huge 1-5 win away to Wexford on the opening night of the season, Treaty endured a tough start to the season both on and off the pitch. The Markets Field pitch failed two pitch inspections which led to the postponement of home ties with Athlone and Longford Town with the latter called off very close to kick-off, much to the dissatisfaction of the travelling support who were already in the ground.

Thankfully, the situation was resolved, and concentration could turn to on-field performances but a 0-0 draw with Cobh followed by successive defeats to Galway and Cork epitomized how difficult the challenge was. However, a performance full of character ensured an impressive 2-1 win over Waterford at home and fears of second season syndrome were certainly eased.

However, a winless run of 8 games which was the longest in the team’s short history, proved to be a testing time for Barrett, Rooney and co although defeats were minimal during this period. In July, Barrett made some shrewd signings to strengthen his squad when he added Success Edogun, Ben O’Riordan and Darren Collins with Edogun and O’Riordan having a big impact. Joe Gorman and Charlie Fleming departed.

The highlight of the season was a 0-2 victory at a packed Turners Cross against runaway league leaders Cork City and Treaty never looked back from here. Reaching an FAI Cup semi-final against Derry City after beating UCD 4-1 at the Markets Field was another huge positive.

Treaty’s record against tonight’s play-off opponents is not encouraging. Three defeats and one win against the Suirsiders this season as we await the two-legged play-off. Waterford’s front three of Wassim Aouchria, Junior Quitirna and Phoenix Patterson is incredibly dangerous and supporter by roaming full backs in Daragh Power and Tummise Sobowale, Treaty will have their work cut out in trying to contain Danny Searle’s side.

Led in attack by Curran, Willie Armshaw and a resurgent Steven Christopher, Treaty will be hoping to cause damage of their own and a huge crowd is expected at the Markets Field for the game. Treaty will be expected to have close to their strongest team available although they will be without Conor Melody and Joel Coustrain who have not recovered from recent injuries. Dean George is still unavailable and will be a huge loss due to his contribution of 12 goals this season.