With both of Galway’s first division clubs registering victories last Friday, there will be no shortage of motivation when Mervue United and Salthill Devon collide at Fahy’s Field tomorrow.
Mervue sit proudly in sixth position in the league table and are satisfied with four wins after the opening 10 matches. That represents a serious improvement compared with their previous two seasons at this level.
Salthill encountered difficulty in the early stages of the campaign, but the arrival of Paul ‘Ski’ McGee as manager appears to be having the desired effect. A narrow loss to Shelbourne was followed by an encouraging success over Wexford Youths at Ferrycarrig Park where goals from Paddy Quinlan, Victor Collins, and Ciprian Straut ensured Salthill pocketed their first win of 2011.
That triumph moved Salthill away from the foot of the table and the form of James Whelan, Eugene Greaney, Cian McBrien, and the impressive Straut, means they will be quietly optimistic of causing an upset in the local derby.
Mervue added Finn Harps to their list of Fahy’s Field scalps as Tom King bagged a brace to leave Johnny Glynn’s charges in a comfortable mid-table position. That is where Mervue intend to spend the campaign, but they know the difficulties that a passing Salthill team can create if they are given room.
Ger Hanley, Martin Conneely, King, Rory Gaffney, and Jason Molloy have been key contributors for Mervue during the last couple of weeks and they will need to be similarly effective if a third home victory is to be posted.
Mervue juniors face fellow title hopefuls
In the Western Hygiene Supplies premier division Mervue’s junior side are on the glory trail as a fascinating last two fixtures of the campaign are scheduled for tonight.
Mervue face fellow title contenders Athenry at Fahy’s Field, while a mile away at Bohermore, Hibernians, who can still be champions, host a Salthill Devon outfit, which needs a win to avoid relegation or a draw to force a play off with West United.
Throughout the season Mervue appeared to be the likely winners of this hard-fought competition, but efficient rallies from Connacht Cup holders Athenry and Hibs have moved them into contention.
That Salthill need a result, too, only adds to the intrigue as the two contests are hugely important for all four participants. A hectic 90 minutes awaits the large crowds that will attend the tussles.
