Disappointed following a thumping defeat to Athlone Town, Mervue United will be hoping for a significant improvement when Monaghan United visit Fahy's Field tomorrow night.
Last Saturday's reversal in the midlands meant Athlone climbed above Mervue in the table as the Galway side slipped to eighth place in the standings. Considering Mervue have spent much of the campaign ahead of Waterford United and Athlone, it is a pity that recent losses ensure that Finn Harps could also catch Johnny Glynn's young outfit.
When assessing the season, though, Glynn has to be content with the way his panel of players have developed, with nine wins from 27 matches - a healthy enough return. Recently Mervue have only registered four points from their past six games so they will want to show signs of recovery in the last month of action. Ger Hanley, James Casserly, Mark Ludden, John Mountney, Pat Hoban, and Jason Molloy are all promising footballers who continue to learn from Glynn's guidance and they will want to test themselves against Roddy Collins' promotion chasers.
Trying to avoid bottom spot is Salthill's target, but they were emphatically defeated by a rampant Cork City at Drom last weekend. Now Paul McGee side's travel to Flancare Park on Saturday for a clash with Tony Cousins' Longford Town.
Salthill need to start eking out results soon and the blend of youth and experience will be examined with Breen Geraghty, James Whelan, Ronan Conlon, Luke McConnell, Timmy Molloy, and Jason Lyons continuing to produce gutsy displays.
