The Airtricity League resumes tomorrow night with a Galway derby at Fahy's Field carrying importance for the two local representatives.
Having shown signs of life before the break, Mervue United will be eager to add another positive result against an ailing SD Galway outfit.
Without a win this year SD Galway have endured plenty of disappointing nights, none more so than their last encounter when hammered by Finn Harps. SD Galway were hopeful of earning some kind of dividend from that fixture, but Harps were far too classy.
Rooted to the bottom of the table, SD Galway trail Mervue by five points, which is significant considering they have only registered three draws thus far. SD Galway's crushing defeat to Finn Harps at Eamonn Deacy Park was the latest setback, especially considering the home side was intent on causing a mild surprise.
Down in the southeast, a smart Waterford United opening ensured Mervue United were unable to build on an encouraging recent run.
Unfortunately at this stage of the campaign the statistics are grim for both SD Galway and Mervue, who have only posted 11 points combined. Mervue have won only two of their 13 matches; SD Galway have not sampled a victory and their confidence is dripping away.
SD Galway possess the worst attacking and defensive records in the division, so the scope for improvement is huge, but progress needs to be made.
The Galway sporting public has so far failed to back their move to Eamonn Deacy Park with paltry attendances doing little to boost morale. At Fahy's Field the figures have not been great either, but Mervue have been a bit more competitive in the early stages of the campaign.
Losing a string of key performers during the close season undoubtedly bothered Mervue, but, with Alan Murphy returning to full fitness and Mike Elwood and James Casserly solid at the back, they have cause for optimism.
Manager Johnny Glynn has occupied a leading role in the development of footballers at the club and in 2011 offered evidence of what can be achieved when a group of players are primed, ready, willing, and able to battle.
There is no doubt that SD Galway's squad boasts many youngsters, but it is a worry that, in two and a half years at this level, only five league triumphs in 76 first division encounters have been recorded.
Manager Tony Mannion, a man who served the Galway United cause with passion and purpose, is doing his utmost to keep SD Galway afloat, but few people are more educated in how demanding it is to survive, never mind soar, at League of Ireland level.
