SD Galway FC play their first home game at Terryland Park tomorrow (7.45pm ) when hosting Wexford Youths at the Dyke Road venue.
Wexford enjoyed a surprisingly emphatic opening night six-goal success over Waterford United at Ferrycarrig Park, while SD Galway suffered a 2-1 loss away to Athlone Town.
Despite a late rally in the midlands, which included an Enda Curran goal, SD Galway FC were left to reflect on costly defensive lapses which allowed Athlone take control.
SD Galway FC's team featured a mix of experience and youth with Nicky Curran, Brian Geraghty, Mixie Harty assisting Tom Bradshaw, Luke McConnell, and the promising Brian Gaffney.
Following a decent pre season campaign this was a disappointing result at Lissywoolen for SD Galway, who will be aware that Wexford Youths carry a threat on the break. On the final evening of last season Wexford thumped Salthill Devon, but only three of the side beaten in the southeast started against Athlone.
Wexford have scored on 11 occasions in their last two competitive encounters so Salthill will need to be solid at the back. Tom Elmes struck four goals in Wexford's convincing triumph over Waterford, while Shane Nolan and Aidan Keenan also hit the target for Shane Keegan's pacy outfit.
Tony Mannion has SD Galway well organised and they will be eager to impress in Terryland considering the club's decision to switch home fixtures from Drom. It is a move that has not been greeted with universal approval in Galway, but the renamed outfit know that home results will have to improve compared to the past two seasons if attendances are to increase.
They have also been boosted with a new sponsorship agreement with Papa John’s for the 2012 season.
Mervue face Finn Harps
Mervue United face a trip to Ballybofey on Saturday evening for a crucial contest with Finn Harps.
Both teams were beaten last Friday with Mervue losing to Longford Town, while Harps were outwitted by first division favourites Limerick FC.
Harps have a young team, but Adam Clarke's long-range goal was not enough to earn any sort of dividend as Limerick had already scored courtesy of Padraic Quinn and former Mervue attacker Rory Gaffney.
Mervue have lost a string of the squad inlcluding Ger Hanley, Dan Cunningham, John Mountney, and Gaffney, all capable performers. Ravaged by injuries and suspensions when Longford won at Fahy's Field, Johnny Glynn's options will be bolstered by Alan Murphy's promptings from an attacking midfield position.
New addition Ronan Forde is a competent custodian, while Gary Kelly showed glimpses of his ability in a struggling Galway United team last season. Elsewhere Glynn will be hoping that James Casserley, Mike Elwood, Noel Varley, Alex Lee, and Pat Hoban can develop further over the coming weeks and months.
