Things can change quickly in the Airtricity League of Ireland first division and Mervue United will be hoping to record another victory when Wexford Youths visit Fahy's Field tomorrow night.
The stylish manner Johnny Glynn's side dealt with Athlone Town's challenge at Lissywoolen last Friday offers plenty of encouragement following the FAI Cup quarter-final hammering by Derry City.
Mervue craved a positive response in the midlands and a sharp performance was enough to earn three points against an Athlone outfit which is rapidly losing confidence.
With Pat Hoban in splendid form, Mervue took maximum advantage of Athlone's hesitancy as they made a purposeful start.
Hoban rattled the opening goal in the 26th minute which gave Mervue an interval advantage and they ruled the contest after the restart.
Athlone were struggling to curb Mervue's smart approach work with Hoban converting a second before the excellent Jean Biansumba sealed the deal.
That result edged Mervue five points ahead of cross-town rivals SD Galway and Glynn's charges will be keen to extend that gap this weekend.
Goalkeeper Ger Hanley made a welcome return to action in Athlone, while Tom King, Michael McSweeney, Stephen Walsh, Etanda Nkololo, Cian McBrien, Shane Keogh, Jason Molloy, and attackers Biansumba and Hoban all contributed to an encouraging Mervue display.
Replicating such drive and desire on a consistent basis is Mervue's next challenge and a positive result is required for Wexford's visit to the west.
SD Galway
Longford Town's promotion push suffered a setback after losing to Waterford United at the RSC, so Tony Cousins' side will be especially eager when SD Galway visit Flancare Park on Saturday.
Tony Mannion's SD Galway have caused Longford some problems in their clashes this season and they must be similarly resourceful if the midlanders are to be disrupted again.
Waterford defeated Longford because of a three-goal flurry in 21 second-half minutes, so Longford's defence can be breached.
Despite the setback, Longford remain confident of securing a play-off berth even though Willo McDonagh and Austin Skelly will miss the SD Galway fixture due to suspension.
Cousins captured a string of former Monaghan United players and their experience could be crucial in the closing weeks of the campaign. Aidan Collins, Michael Lee, Keith Gillespie, Robert Bayly, Chris Deans, and Karl Bermingham have been important players in recent weeks for Longford - a capable team when in the groove.
SD Galway have won three out of 25 matches so they will be keen to be plucky with Friday's loss to Limerick at Eamonn Deacy Park featuring a spirited home effort. It was not enough, though, to earn a tangible reward and at this stage that is ultimately what is necessary.
James Keane, Colm Horgan, Brian Geraghty, Nicky Curran, Mixie Harty, Willie Enubele, Ronan Conlon, and Brian Gaffney showed flashes for SD Galway in their reversal against table-toppers Limerick, who had to be defiant in the west.
SD Galway's courage and commitment is bound to be examined in the next month with Saturday's clash carrying deep importance if avoiding a third year as the basement club is to be avoided.
Galway United Supporters Trust FC
The next match for Galway United Supporters Trust in the FAI u-19 League is at home to Limerick FC on Saturday at Eamonn Deacy Park (7pm ).
