Salthill Devon -v- Mervue United

SALTHILL DEVON

Salthill remain winless this season under manager Tony Mannion and the Galway side suffered further heartbreak last Saturday at Longford Town. 

Despite holding the league leaders to a 1-1 scoreline for the majority of the game, a David O’Sullivan goal clinched victory for the home side in the 93rd minute. This is the third time Devon has conceded a stoppage time goal this season.

Graham Kelly remains unavailable because of a calf injury while a host of players are doubtful. Jakub Tomanica has one more match to serve for his red card two weeks previously but club captain, Eugene Greaney, should be available for selection.

Despite Devon’s shortcomings this season coach Jumbo Brennan is positive that this coming Friday night will see his side clinch their first win of the season. 

"As we know from all meetings between Salthill and Mervue, they will be competitive and every ball will be fought for. We might be at opposite ends of the table but the players firmly believe that they can win Friday night’s game." 

MERVUE UNITED

On Friday last, manager Johnny Glynn and his team were left fuming after a dreadful stoppage-time penalty decision robbed the claret and blue of a chance to move within a point of Longford Town. 

The 2-2 draw has left Mervue six points adrift of the league leaders and, has allowed the chasing pack of Finn Harps, Waterford United and Athlone to come within two points of the second-placed side.

While the Mervue players and manager were incandescent with rage after the Athlone game, it’s important they remember the season is a long one. They must now move on and maintain their good form and continue their promising, albeit surprisingly positive, start to life in division one.

Back in March, a 2-1 win for Mervue was the outcome in the season’s first derby at Fahy’s Field. Salthill were forced to chase the game after conceding two goals in a five minute spell early on. Glynn’s side could have, and should have, added more goals but Mannion’s side forced their way back into an entertaining game but failed to grab the equaliser.

Johnny Glynn speaking to the club’s website "We can expect another tough city derby game in Drom on Friday night and as always these games are very tight with never more than a goal between the two clubs. Salthill have conceded very few goals since their opening game and have been very unlucky losing a few games through late goals. It's a game we always look forward too, a Galway derby, they don't come much tougher".

Referee: Kevin O’Regan.

MATCH STATS

Mervue’s 2-1 victory over rivals Salthill at Fahy’s Field was their first in five attempts at the east city venue.

Mervue defender Stephen Walsh has scored three goals in last two games.

Salthill have the worst defensive record in the First Division with 18 goals conceded so far.

BETTING

Salthill Devon 3/1; Draw 13/5; Mervue United 3/4 .

PREDICTION

Salthill Devon 1-3 Mervue United

Salthill Devon

Injured: Graham Kelly
Doubtful: Brian Geraghty, Matt Danaher, Willie Enubele, Alex Byrne.
Suspended: Jakub Tomanica

Mervue United

Injured: Martin Conneely (Kne)
Doubtful: Michael McSweeney (flu), Shane Keogh (back)
Suspended: None.