Those who wrote off Mervue's chances of a shock victory in Gortakeegan last week received a timely reminder of the prowess of Johnny Glynn's outfit as they returned with a fine 2-1 success.
Tomorrow's visit of Waterford United represents another stiff challenge for Mervue who know that a home win can see them swap places with the Blues on the league table.
There was expectation that Mervue could see off Athlone a fortnight ago, but a lacklustre display was heavily punished.
However Ger Hanley, Martin Conneelly, Kevin Crehan, James Casserley and Michael Collins responded in emphatic fashion last Friday and home supporters will trust the same kind of form can be replicated on Fahy's Field.
Tomorrow's visitors were caught napping by Wexford last week and it remains to be seen what impact the game against a Liverpool XI last night will have on their preparations, both mentally and physically.
In a period when Mervue publishes its history and Declan McDonnell has been given a special award by the FAI for his enduring service to the game, nothing would be more pleasing than a home victory.
In Drom last Saturday evening there was the sense that Salthill Devon, who are at present like Galway United, could not buy a break. To their great credit Salthill battled with terrific heart and no little skill against Tony Cousins' Longford Town, but a late winner for the visitors was a harsh result for Paul McGee's lads.
Ronan Forde, Breen Geraghty, Paddy Quinlan, Ronan Conlon and Eugene Greaney battled with purpose and style throughout.
Devon travel to Tolka Park tomorrow to lock horns with Shelbourne where McGee will meet up with his old colleauge, Shels’ boss Alan Matthews. Shels look set to take the first division title this year and nobody will underestimate the challenge facing the youthful Galwegians in the capital.
Having seen off Finn Harps 3-0 in Donegal on Saturday, the Dubliners coasted into a 10-point league lead. A team boasting the talents of Dean Delaney, Ian Ryan, Philip Hughes and Conan Byrne was always going to feature strongly at the business end of football affairs. It is unlikelySalthill will have a stiffer test on the road this season.
