It has been a bittersweet few days for Mervue United. The pleasure and joy of last Friday’s stirring away success at Gortakeegan was diluted somewhat by last Monday’s League Cup reversal at Drom.
While all of Mervue’s endeavour against Monaghan United wasn’t forgotten the manner of the loss to Salthill Devon was worrying. Though penalties were ultimately required few could argue that Devon didn’t deserve the scalp as Emlyn Long and Mike Quirke’s tidy young team gave an adequate account of themselves on a senior stage. From James Whelan’s promise at centre half to the smashing skill of substitute Mikey Gilmore Salthill survived as Mervue’s greater experience was rendered insignificant.
Now Mervue face one of the nation’s form teams as Shelbourne make a welcome return to Terryland Park tomorrow. Prompted by the decorated Dermot Keely, Shels, denied promotion in the final minute of last season, have made a blistering start to the campaign winnning four matches on the bounce. An efficient approach has seen Wexford Youths, Monaghan United, Waterford United, and Limerick FC all outfoxed with only one goal being conceded.
Safe and solid at the back, and with Anto Flood in attack, it is easy to see why Keely is confident of challenging an expensively assembled Sporting Fingal. There is no shortage of guile in the Shels squad with Dean Delaney, Alan Keely, Damien Brennan, David Crawley, David McGill, and David Cassidy all proven at this level, so Mervue must summon a gritty display.
Still Mervue have been resourceful in their last two league matches taking four points, and they will be anxious to be equally industrious in the coming weeks. Mixie Harty’s capture provides Johnny Glynn with another midfield option as Mervue will need to monitor Cassidy diligently.
One certainty in football is that lengthy victorious sequences are always ended, and Mervue would take pride and satisfaction if they become the first side to disturb the Dubliners in 2009.
