It has been a strange season in the Airtricity League first division and SD Galway's Friday night derby success over cross-town rivals Mervue United gives them a fighting chance of avoiding a bottom-place finish.
Amazingly SD Galway's only two victories of the campaign have been posted against Mervue, who were caught out by a splendid Brian Geraghty strike.
Earlier on Brian Gaffney and Damian O'Rourke had traded blows, but SD Galway survived the 67th minute dismissal of Nicky Curran to record a win that edges them to within four points of Mervue.
Now the significant challenge for SD Galway is to acquire consistency by putting a series of solid performances together. Throughout the year there have been rugged displays against superior opposition, but 15 losses in 21 matches is a worrying statistic.
SD Galway received an injection of confidence when outfoxing Mervue, so tomorrow's Terryland Park encounter with Athlone Town will be a real examination.
Athlone have been decent during an encouraging spell as they currently sit in fourth place in the standings. Mike Kerley has constructed a squad with a mix of youth and experience, but the midlanders have not tasted a victory since the last time they played SD Galway on June 29. In five subsequent league fixtures Athlone have lost twice and drawn on three occasions, so SD Galway will be hopeful of nicking a result at the Dyke Road venue.
Pat Jennings, Damien Rushe, Brian McCarthy, Kevin Williamson, and Noel McGee have all been key players for Athlone.
It will be interesting to see whether SD Galway can replicate the drive and desire that vexed Mervue, but Mannion will be hoping for forceful contributions from Eugene Greaney, Cian Fadden, Ronan Conlon, Mixie Harty, Gaffney, and Jakub Tomanica.
Mervue in Flancare
On Saturday Mervue journey to Flancare Park to face a Longford Town side very much still involved in the promotion hunt. Mervue's ambitions are more modest, but that is not to say they will not be lacking intent following a disappointing setback against SD Galway.
The recent signs had suggested Mervue were improving, but SD Galway brought them back down to earth. However Johnny Glynn's charges have proven themselves to be a capable team when in the mood.
Trailing leaders Limerick FC by six points and Waterford United on goal difference, Longford will be primed for a battle. Having only won once in four, Longford have hit a bit of a dip, but from now on all that matters is how many victories are collected if premier division status is to be attained. Manager Tony Cousins added to his squad during the transfer window, but Finn Harps beat them last Saturday. Cousins will expect Des Hope, Noel Haverty, Willo McDonagh, Robbie Bayly, Karl Bermingham, and Gary Shaw to prompt Longford in the coming weeks and months.
Considering their tussles already in 2012, Mervue will be respected by Longford who are aware of the promise of Conor Gleeson, Michael McSweeney, Gary Kelly, Tom King, Jason Molloy, Stephen Walsh, and Pat Hoban.
