Despite being walloped 4-0 by Shelbourne last Friday, Mervue United will feel tomorrow's tussle with Wexford Youths at Fahy's Field offers an ideal opportunity to post another home win.
Mervue enjoyed a productive evening at Ferrycarrig Park earlier in the campaign and manager Johnny Glynn will be hoping a similarly energetic display can be delivered.
Glynn is adamant Galway has plenty of talent available in the 18-25 years range, but the Mervue boss highlighted the distinct lack of capable experienced players which will be a factor over the course of a season.
Overall Mervue will be satisfied with their 17 point haul from 14 games as they currently sit ahead of Waterford United, Athlone Town, Finn Harps, Wexford, and Salthill in the table.
There is no doubting it is an achievement, but Mervue will want to be in front of all those sides when the league concludes in November, and that is why registering victories against teams like Wexford at home carries so much importance.
Fahy's Field should provide an ideal backdrop for a critical 90 minutes in Mervue's campaign.
Salthill Devon contributed to a goal-laden fixture with Monaghan United at Drom, but they were burned in the second period by Roddy Collins' side, which finished 5-2 winners.
Paul 'Ski' McGee had targeted stabilising his defence and the early evidence offered hope, but the last fortnight has featured plenty of worry as Sheriff YC and Monaghan have both prevailed on Salthill's turf.
Now Salthill make the long journey to the RSC where they will face a Waterford United outfit that has made a surprisingly poor start to 2011. Waterford's wobbles cost Stephen Henderson his job as manager as they expected to be heavily involved in the promotion race but, with so many matches remaining, it is always possible a string of victories could see them jump up the table.
Salthill will want to get off the bottom too. Five of their six points have been pocketed during road trips so they will not be without hope Suirside.
Airtricity u-19 League
Mervue United will hold trials for the club’s u-19 Airtricity League elite division team at Fahy’s Field on Saturday at 12 noon. All players born on or after January 1, 1993 are eligible to play in this new league for the development of underage players.
Mervue will compete in the elite division along with 11 other Airtricity League clubs, Salthill Devon, Bohemians, Bray Wanderers, Cork City, Dundalk, St. Patrick's Athletic, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, UCD, Waterford United and Wexford Youths.
Players interested in playing for the club in this new league can contact manager Brendan O’Connor 087-6997765. O’Connor will be assisted by Brian Laffey. The new league is due to start in mid-August with 22 games (11 at home and away ) in addition to cup games.
