Mervue United aim to keep promotion drive going in league derby

PROMOTION chasing Mervue United will look to put the frustration of last weekend’s Airtricity League result behind them when they face City rivals Salthill Devon in a derby First Division clash in Drom this evening, Friday (7:45pm).

United were within seconds of recording back-to-back wins to keep the pressure on leaders Longford Town at the top of the table but a controversial injury-time Athlone Town penalty – which secured them a 2-2 draw – denied Mervue victory and, more importantly, all three points.

It was, as one observer put it, “daylight robbery” and this was compounded by the shocking decision by Westmeath referee Ray Matthews to award the late spot kick to Athlone’s Barry Clancy as the same player had gone in with two feet on Mervue defender Joe Woods.

To add to Mervue’s frustration, it looked as if Salthill Devon were on course to secure a point over at Longford Town but the concession of a late goal to the home side meant the leaders were able to extend their advantage at the First Division summit.

Devon have injury concerns over Brian Geraghty (calf), Willie Enubele (muscle) and Matt Danaher (Achilles) while Alex Byrne is expected to miss the tie after sustaining an ankle injury playing with the Irish Schoolboys against England last Friday night. Graham Kelly has returned to training following a hamstring injury but this may be a game too soon.

That said, Devon coach John ‘Jumbo’ Brennan is hopeful his charges can turn their season around and secure a first win league win. “As we know from all meetings between Salthill and Mervue; they will be competitive and every ball will be fought for,” he says.

“We might be at opposite ends of the table but the players do firmly believe that they can win tonight's game. We know though that we can’t afford to give a two-goal lead and be chasing the game from early on, this time,” says Brennan, alluding to their 2-1 defeat to the same opposition earlier in the season.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.