League football can be a grind when results aren’t agreeable so Mervue United will be especially eager to arrest a losing sequence at Terryland Park tomorrow night. That Finn Harps, in the Premier Division last year, are the visitors merely adds to the task.
The stark reality that senior football is a significant step up is well documented, and Mervue are mindful of this. Having suffered early on against Athlone Town Mervue dug in and became competitive, unfortunately last week Limerick were able to score often so the margin of defeat was a source of worry.
Still Mervue’s squad is packed with young players unfamiliar with life at this level, and manager Johnny Glynn is hoping lessons can be learned briskly. “It takes time to adapt to the game at a higher level, and you get punished for mistakes. Two of the goals we conceded against Limerick were from set pieces and that is very disappointing, but we have to keep at it.
“We always knew that it would be difficult, especially at the start of the season, but it is just a matter of keeping composed and dealing with the challenge. There is no doubt that the season is a huge challenge for us, but there were aspects of our game that were good in Limerick, and we probably threatened a bit more offensively.”
With 12 teams in the First Division the standard is bound to improve with Harps, Sporting Fingal, Waterford United, and Shelbourne around, and Glynn acknowledges this. “This week we have another very hard task against Finn Harps. Their budget is reduced compared to last season, but much of their squad is still in place so they will be formidable opponents.
“They have a core of experience available, and so far that has probably been our downfall, but if we can improve with each outing that will help us. There is no pressure on us, this is a learning process for us all, and we have to avoid the negativity that goes with a losing streak. I suppose that really is my job to keep the players’ minds focused so they can go out and express themselves.”
Mike Tierney, who showed well in Limerick is unavailable, while injury doubts surround the participation of Nigel Keady, Nicky Curran, and Eric Browne ensuring ex Cork City defender Damien O’Rourke may be asked to marshall the defence again. “Having Damien on board is great for us, when Nigel was ruled out last Friday he played his first game in 18 months so he will benefit from the run out. I was delighted he got a game under his belt, and when we have all our players fit I think we will be a competitive team.”
That is what Glynn wants Mervue to be when Harps come to town, and a positive result is within their remit providing they can start briskly. A string of exacting matches is scheduled for the next few weeks, but expect Mervue to tackle these chores with honesty and enthusiasm.
