Following a free weekend Salthill Devon return to first division action on Saturday evening when hosting promotion hopefuls Cork City at Drom.
Only a point behind Wexford Youths, Paul McGee's side can still avoid another bottom-placed finish, but they know Cork have significant footballing ability.
Cork's squad will include a player Salthill helped develop, Daryl Horgan, the promising youngster who, on loan with the Leesiders from Sligo Rovers, has been a key performer since moving south.
With another former Galway United winger, Derek O'Brien, in the Cork ranks, Salthill will see plenty of familiar faces as they seek to spring an upset.
With only two wins in 26 matches Salthill have endured a difficult campaign and their home form has been woeful taking only four points throughout the year. That statistic must improve between now and the end of the season if Salthill are to leapfrog Wexford Youths, who are away to Monaghan United on Sunday.
Mervue United were most unfortunate to lose against Limerick FC at Fahy's Field last Friday night as an 84th minute Peter Hynes goal proved decisive.
Despite starting the game well, Mervue, with goalkeeper Ger Hanley outstanding, were eventually caught out when substitute Sean Brosnan fashioned the winner for Hynes.
Now Mervue head for Lissywoollen on Saturday for a match from which Johnny Glynn will feel his team can take the full complement of spoils. Hanley, James Casserly, Mark Ludden, Martin Conneely, David O'Brien, John Mountney, and Etanda Nkololo will all be aiming to move Mervue five points clear of the midlanders.
