Treaty United face Galway road trip in First Division

TREATY United return to action in the SSE Airtricity League First Division this Friday night when travelling to Eamon Deacy Park to take on Galway United in their second fixture of the new League of Ireland season.

Treaty will be looking to bounce back from their frustrating opening night 1-0 defeat at home to Bray Wanderers when they make the trip to the West.

Treaty manager Tommy Barrett felt his side were unlucky to open their First Division campaign with that 1-0 loss to Bray Wanderers.

Visitors Bray struck for the all-important winning goal in the 89th minute after a defensive error.

“It's a hard result to take,” a frustrated Barrett told Leader Sport after Friday night's game.

“I thought that we had the better chances in the game. Their keeper made more saves that our keeper and made more blocks, goal line clearances and stuff like that. I'm disappointed to lose but happy with the performance overall.”

Barrett was pragmatic about how Treaty ended up losing the game due to that defensive error, adding that 'these things happen'.

“It's just part of the game and you just have to accept it. It's important that we don't dwell on that now. I think if we score the first goal and we probably win the game.”

Treaty have added Alec Byrne to the squad in recent days after his release from Cork. He made 50 appearances for the Leesiders and was part of the squad that won the 2022 First Division title.

Barrett confirmed that Byrne is likely to be the last signing for the club and is likely to part of the squad that travels to Galway for Treaty's next fixture.

John Caulfield's Galway side got their season off to a 2-1 away win over Finn Harps and Treaty know they will be up against it when they visit Eamonn Deacy Park on Friday night.

“Against most teams we are underdogs. We don't mind that. We are happy enough to be that. Hopefully, we can get a result up there. It's about trying to get points on the board and if we can do that, it will be a massive achievement.”

Meanwhile, Treaty United has also announced the signing of Claire Winter for the 2023 Women’s Premier Division season.
Winter joins the club with a terrific collegiate background having spent four seasons with the UCLA Bruins. She made 54 appearances for the Bruins who were NCAA champions in 2013 and runners-up in 2017.

Following her time at UCLA, Winter spent time with Puerto Rico Sol FC, RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and NJ/NY Gotham FC.
The Californian is capable as both a midfielder and a defender, making her a versatile option for new manager Alban Hysa.
Hysa was glad to have added another experienced player to his ranks.

“Claire is an experienced player that we are happy to have added to the squad. We’re looking forward to working with her as the new season moves closer.”

Treaty United kick-off their fixtures in the 2023 SSE Airtricity Women's National League with a home game against Bohemians on Saturday, March 4.