Mervue United FC -v- Athlone Town AFC

Mervue United begin their maiden voyage into the dark waters that is League of Ireland First Division football on Friday night when they host Athlone Town at Terryland Park (kick-off 7.45pm)

'Big game'
Manager Johnny Glynn is well aware that this will be a historic occasion for the club and is hopeful that his relatively inexperienced squad will be up to the task at hand. "There is no point in really shying away from the fact that it is a big game," he said, "but we are trying to treat it the same way as any other game really."

'Massive test'
Glynn, with former Cork City team-mate Mark Herrick as his assistant, has been thoroughness personified in preparing the squad for the challenge ahead and they hope to hit the ground running when they take on Athlone in their temporary home of Terryland Park. "Preparations are going quite well," he said. "Training has been intense and competitive and the lads are fully aware of the task that lies ahead for them on Friday night. Athlone Town as a club has been there and done it all so this will be a massive test for our squad but one we are delighted to have."

Place prepared
For Athlone, this is also a new beginning of sorts. New manager Brendan Place has come aboard and has been trying to put in place a squad which will fit into the club's budget. Only ten players were confirmed as signed as recently as last Tuesday but a squad in excess of 20 has now been assembled. Included in the list is the interesting acquisition of former Irish underage 'keeper Alex O'Reilly. A mix of youth and experience has been brought together as Thomas McGauley, Emeka Onwubiko and John McGuinness have also signed on for the season.

Rallying call
Place is well aware of the significance of the match for both sides but is hoping to keep his side's mind on securing three points. "Mervue will be up for this game naturally as it is their first game in League of Ireland football," he said. "But it is a big occasion for our club as well. It looked at one stage that there would not be a League of Ireland team in Athlone but everyone rallied around the club and saved it from extinction. I suppose the game is like a cup tie for Mervue but we have to stay controlled and not get caught up in the occasion."

Contrasting fortunes
Mervue will have to do without the services of Ollie Keogh, Philip Ryan and Damien O'Rourke for their opening game while Nigel Keady, formerly of Athlone, is currently on the doubtful list. The Midlanders, on the other hand, have no injury worries ahead of their trip west.