Mervue United have began their preparations for life in the Eircom League first division with the first of four pre-season friendlies.
On Tuesday evening they faced Galway United and only a touch of Jay O'Shea craft gave Galway a narrow 1-0 victory over at Fahy's Field.
The second friendly is already lined up with Swiss first division side FC Kusnacht which takes place on February 20 in Spain where the squad is heading next week for a five-day training camp.
Mervue are also expected to play a second match in Marbella before returning home for a return fixture with United in Terryland Park on February 27.
Mervue won promotion to the first division after defeating Kildare County 3-0 in the second leg of their promotion/relegation play-off, giving the Galway side a 5-2 victory on aggregate. The club now awaits a first division licence, and according to manager Johnny Glynn, everything is in place for it to happen.
“We are preparing for the season ahead, which begun with a friendly game against Galway United last night before we head to Spain next week for five-day training camp.”
He will have taken encouragement from the manner in which Mervue battled against United, and the form of Ryan Griffin, David O'Brien, and Mike Tierney augurs well as they get head to Marbella.
Mervue will play their early home matches of 2009 at Terryland Park, but they are hoping to move back to Fahy's Field in July when improvements on Fahy's Field are expected to be finished. Following Tuesday's challenge secretary Declan McDonnell also revealed that Mervue intend to host their matches on Fridays, depending on Terryland's availability.
Ian Foster's Galway United are currently embarking on the friendly game circuit. Last Saturday at Ballinasloe Barry Moran, one of several players on trial, bagged an 80th minute equaliser to cancel out James Hayes' effort moments previously.
With Shane Guthrie and David Breen providing a new look central defensive partnership, Galway were safe and solid at the back against Mervue, while O'Shea showed his ability throughout.
