Buoyed by their most impressive result of the season, Mervue United face a tough test at Jackman Park against Limerick FC tomorrow evening.
Monday's smashing FAI Cup success over Waterford United at the RSC nudged Johnny Glynn's side into the last eight of that competition where they will visit the Brandywell for a tussle with Derry City on Friday week, September 14.
The stylish manner in which Mervue performed in the southeast will give them plenty of confidence ahead of two demanding road trips to Limerick and Derry.
Solid in the first half, Mervue were then stylish in the second when defeating Waterford as Conor Gleeson's string of early saves frustrated the locals. Gleeson's smart goalkeeping, allied with a sharp 34th minute Pat Hoban goal, gave Mervue an encouraging advantage.
Waterford threatened briefly, but a revitalised Mervue outfit stayed gritty before the impressive Jean Biansumba headed Mervue two in front. From then on Mervue were in control with pacy substitute Etanda Nkololo adding a late brace to seal the deal.
A similarly energetic display will be required to disturb promotion-chasing Limerick, but Glynn's squad appears to have a bit more depth to it now compared to the start of the campaign.
Mervue's resources will be examined in the coming fortnight so they will be hoping that Gleeson, Michael McSweeney, Mark Ludden, Biansumba, Noel Varley, Gary Kelly, Jason Molloy, and Hoban continue to deliver.
SD Galway
At Terryland Park SD Galway will face a Waterford side that will be intent on responding to their dramatic Cup loss to Mervue.
SD Galway had enjoyed a few productive results in August, but last Friday they were reminded of how harsh life can be in the first division as Wexford Youths cruised to a facile 4-1 win at Ferrycarrig Park.
That setback now means that SD Galway trail cross town rivals Mervue by two points, so they will be especially eager to attain some sort of dividend at the Dyke Road venue.
Waterford are heavily involved in the title race so they will hit the west aware that a victory is necessary to keep pressure on Limerick and Longford Town.
SD Galway also have a cause, though, and with Enda Curran marking a welcome return to action with a goal, they will be anxious to vex the visitors in the first quarter.
Red cards in Wexford for Eugene Greaney and Luke McConnell rule them out of contention so Tony Mannion will trust that Ronan Conlon, Willie Enubele, David Meehan, Mixie Harty, Brian Gaffney, and Curran can make healthy contributions for the underdogs.
