The FAI Cup does not feature too high on Salthill Devon or Mervue United's priority list, but, nonetheless, the two Galway outfits will be intent on registering results that could nudge them into the last 16 of the competition.
Salthill face non-league Sheriff Youth Club, who will arrive in Drom tomorrow carrying a favourable reputation, but Paul McGee's side will hope their superior experience at this level will be pivotal. Despite the improvements under McGee, Salthill have still lost their last two matches to Limerick FC and Athlone without managing to register a goal.
There has been plenty to admire in Salthill's determination and McGee will be hoping that Ronan Forde, James Whelan, Gearoid O'Leidhinn, Ray Winters, and Etanda Nkololo can all replicate the drive and desire shown in recent weeks when the Dubliners come to town.
Johnny Glynn's Mervue United travel to County Louth for an interesting contest with premier division strugglers Drogheda United. Mervue are making progress this term and that development was proven during Monday night's fine Fahy's Field win over Longford Town. Despite a Longford equaliser, Mervue remained calm and composed as Tom King tucked home a last-gasp winner following an earlier Rory Gaffney strike.
There is no reason why Mervue cannot make a serious push for a win on the banks of the Boyne as Drogheda, despite a string of gutsy displays, lack the quality that other top-flight teams possess.
Stand-in goalkeeper TJ Forde excelled against Longford, while Martin Conneely, Dan Cunningham, James Casserly, and Mike Tierney all contributed to an encouraging success.
Brendan O’Connor, assistant manager to Johnny Glynn, has been appointed manager of the club’s u-19 League of Ireland team that will compete in the upcoming Airtricity u-19 elite division along with 11 other Airtricity League clubs.
This new league is due to start in mid-August with 22 games (11 at home and away ), in addition to cup games. The club will hold trials for the squad at Fahy’s Field on Saturday June 18 and all players born on or after January 1, 1993, can contact O’Connor 087– 6997765 to register their interest in playing with the club in this new league for youth players.
