Encouraged after earning a draw against Longford Town, Paul McGee's Salthill Devon now host FAI Cup finalists Shelbourne in a crucial first division encounter.
This game has implications for both ends of the table when the sides meet in Drom on Saturday evening.
Shelbourne, table-toppers for so long, have stuttered in the league with Cork City and Monaghan United taking maximum advantage. The point Salthill earned at Flancare Park saw them move level on goal difference with Wexford Youths, who do possess a better goal difference, leaving McGee's charges bottom of the pile.
James Whelan's strike could turn out to be an important one for Salthill, who will be looking to Paddy Quinlan, Cian Fadden, Robbie Porter, and Brian Gaffney to provide the inspiration against a Shelbourne outfit that wants to return to the top flight.
Mervue were caught out by Monaghan at Fahy's Field last Friday as the promising Ryan Brennan grabbed a late winner.
Johnny Glynn's side contributed to a decent contest, but they were unable to eke out a draw and will be eager to pick up a dividend from tomorrow's trip to the RSC for a fixture with Waterford United.
David O'Brien, James Casserly, Kenny Farrell, Jason Molloy, Etanda Nkololo, and Pat Hoban were prominent for Mervue, who are striving to overtake Athlone Town to claim an eighth place finish.
