Though Salthill Devon had been showing signs of improvement, Saturday evening's Galway derby confirmed Mervue United's superiority at Fahy's Field.
There was little wrong with Salthill's attitude or application, but Mervue had the craft to take all three points in a 2-1 victory.
Salthill now host a winnable fixture against Wexford Youths at Drom, and considering the strides Salthill have taken, they will feel a victory can be posted.
Avoiding another last-placed finish is the mission and the recent evidence suggests it can be accomplished.
Mervue had been struggling for form before the triumph over Salthill and they head for the RSC tomorrow heartened. Mervue have been something of a bogey team for Waterford during the past year so Johnny Glynn's charges have the potential to glean another encouraging result.
It has been a disappointing campaign for Waterford, and Mervue are aware that a victory could edge them closer to the summit where Longford Town and Athlone Town look the main promotion candidates.
