SD Galway and Mervue still searching for elusive win

STEPHEN GLENNON

A 2-2 draw between SD Galway and Mervue United last weekend has left both sides still adrift at the bottom of the Airtricity First Division table and the prospect of either side picking up that elusive first league win of the season in the latest round of fixtures now appears to be a daunting task.

SD Galway represent the best chance of victory when they host Athlone Town at Terryland Park this evening, Friday (7:45pm), given they have home advantage against an Athlone side that have also found themselves languishing at the lower end of the table after the first series of games concluded last weekend.

That said, the visitors can still boast of three wins and a draw from their opening seven games, unlike SD Galway who had to be content with three draws. The latest of those came against local rivals Mervue United in Terryland Park last Friday . . . but, truthfully, it is victories SD Galway and Mervue need if they wish to move up the table.

SD Galway took the lead through a 12th minute Enda Curran goal in that game but this was cancelled out by Mervue’s Gary Kelly just before half-time. United subsequently took the lead through Damien O’Rourke 18 minutes into the second period; however, Jason Lyons was on hand to salvage a point for Tony Mannion’s men with a 77th minute equaliser.

When SD Galway last met Athlone Town in Lissywoollen in early March, Town emerged as 2-1 victors. It was disappointing for Galway who had just come off the back after a very impressive pre-season. “We just never got going in that game,” recalls Mannion.

“The pitch was heavy—it was very difficult – and they were also physically very strong and bullied us for long periods of the game. That was the most disappointing thing; that it was not until late in the game that we began to be competitive and play.”

Unfortunately, in the last seven meetings between the sides, SD Galway has yet to record a win, having drawn three and losing three of the remaining fixtures. Still, Mannion hopes his side will be buoyed by their encouraging display against Mervue United last weekend.

“I thought it was the best we have been played this season,” he says. “Okay, we played in fits and starts, but we did play well in those patches and we were competitive throughout because we were able to get down the ball and pass it around.

“I keep talking about the players needing time to develop, not only individually, but also as a unit. At crucial times this year, though, we have given away soft goals and that has hurt us. Even against Mervue, we had pushed up but from a throw-in deep in their half, they scored a goal a minute before half-time.

“That said, we showed character in the second half when we went behind and we played some quality football. So, I was very pleased and even from the reaction of those who were in Terryland, they said it was a good game.”

For this evening’s tussle, defender Paddy Quinlan is extremely doubtful after being forced off against Mervue with a knee injury while Colm Horgan (foot) and Luke McConnell (hamstring) are in a race to be fit for this evening’s clash.

Meanwhile, Mervue United meet Longford Town at Flancare Park on Saturday (7:30pm). Despite losing 1-0 at home to Longford in their opening game of the season, Mervue still have a decent record against them – losing just twice in their six meetings between 2010 and ‘11. Those six ties also included two wins and two draws.

Manager Johnny Glynn continues to be without the services of influential trio Martin Conneely, James Casserly and Tom King through injury while injured defender Michael McSweeney is said to be only 50/50 heading into this clash. However, Mike Elwood is once again available for selection after serving a suspension.

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