Preview: Waterford and Galway battle for promotion tilt

Waterford FC and Galway United clash tonight in a match to decide the opponent for UCD side in the SSE Airtricity League promotion/relegation play-off.

After overcoming teams below them in the table in the first stage in high-scoring affairs, the second and third placed First Division teams meet in the neutral venue of the Market's Field in Limerick.

That has been a controversial choice given it has just 1,500 seats, albeit it’s the most sensible in terms of travel.

If momentum is a factor, Waterford hold all the aces this evening. The second half of their season has been littered with wins and a run to the FAI Cup semi-finals.

United fell apart in the final part of the league, with just two wins in 11 matches.

However, they produced at a vital time last week, clinching a 3-0 win over Longford Town in the second leg at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Pheonix Patterson took his league tally to 20 goals in 33 games this campaign – a stunning return for the wide attacking player – when netting three of the seven goals Waterford scored against Treaty United in their semi-final games.

It sets up a fascinating clash between the Blues who will be considered favourites and John Caulfield’s Galway who could cause a shock if finding their early season form.

"It's a big game, and we will have a big travelling support," said Caulfield.

"Waterford have been the form team for the second half of the season since the takeover by Fleetwood Town owner Andy Pilley.

"The appointment of Danny Searle from England has had a significant effect, plus the recruitment of many English-based players at the break.

"Alex Baptiste, Raúl Uche and Wassim Aouachria joined the quality players that were already there, Patterson, Junior and Taylor, which gives them a lot of