Mervue United enter new territory tomorrow night when they host premier division outfit Dundalk at Terryland Park (7.45pm ).
This is the first time Mervue United have played in the third round of the FAI Cup, and it is certainly a big ask for them to progress to the last 16.
Mervue’s inaugural campaign in the League of Ireland first division has seen them earn respect, but facing top-flight opposition like Dundalk brings obvious challenges.
Again Mervue are bothered by a lengthy absentee list, and manager Johnny Glynn insists that a purposeful performance will be needed.
“Dundalk are practically full time and full of experienced players from the premier league as well as some top young players. We will prepare as best we can and will approach the match knowing we will have to be at our very best to get a result.”
Mervue will again be without the six players who were missing last week. Nigel Keady is still struggling to overcome the knee injury he picked up in the first game of the season, Mixie Harty is due back from his honeymoon at the weekend, Noel McDonnell is waiting to see a specialist next Monday, while Mike Tierney and Ger McGrath have resumed light training and could be back for the Monaghan United match. David O’Dowd will be out for another five weeks after undergoing surgery last Monday on his cheek bone. As a result Colie Kelly has joined the squad from the club’s junior team to give Glynn some options because of his versatility, although it is unlikely that the starting team will change from last week.
“Dundalk’s squad is completely new bar two players from last season, and it has taken them a while to gel together. However recent performances would indicate they have turned the corner andI would expect them to finish in the top half for sure.”
Glynn was disappointed with the result in Finn Harps particularly after a poor first half performance. “In the second half, we showed what we can do, despite conceding two late goals.”
“The players are really looking forward to the cup match as it will be the first time that any of them has played in the third round of the FAI Cup. It is a David v Goliath encounter with Dundalk’s full time squad against the first division newcomers.”
Providing Mervue can make a positive start, they should be sufficiently organised to give Dundalk some anxious moments. A trip to Oriel Park for a replay next Tuesday should not be discounted.
