Mervue United -v- Shelbourne
Credit:
Second from bottom host second from the top in this First Division clash as struggling Mervue Utd take on high-flying Shelbourne at Terryland Park (7.45pm kick-off).
The last time these two sides met at Tolka Park back in July, it proved a very harsh lesson for Mervue as they were easily brushed aside by a rampant Shelbourne side who recorded their biggest win of the season. The first time the two sides met was a more difficult game for Keely's men, as a very good performance by Mervue back in early April almost saw them claim a creditable draw but for a very late Kevin Doherty header which saw Shels escape Terryland with the win.
Last week Shels dropped two valuable points at home in their promotion race as they drew 3-3 with Limerick FC in a very entertaining game. A disappointing result for the Tolka Park outfit, particularly as they lead twice in the game and allowed Limerick’s Stephen O’Flynn a very late equaliser to complete his hat-trick. The form of four points in their last three games would need to improve if Shels are to ensure promotion back to the Premier Division.
Mervue go into this game on the back of three successive defeats to Limerick, Finn Harps and Monaghan Utd. They were also involved in an entertaining six-goal thriller last Friday night, playing out a 4-2 loss at Monaghan, with U18 player Pat Hoban scoring both goals, his first in the League of Ireland.
Shelbourne will head west without the services of the suspended duo of Anto Flood and Robbie Hedderman while David Cassidy (knee) and Richie Baker (hamstring) are still injured. Kevin Doherty is expected to return after a long lay-off with a calf injury while Alan Keely could also return having recovered from a hip injury.
Mervue manager Johnny Glynn will have to make do without the injured Rynal Browne and Nigel Keady, while David Goldbey is suspended having reached four yellow cards. Mark Ludden is also a doubt due to illness but, on the plus side, Neil Keane and Evan Connolly should return to the squad having scored for the club’s junior and under 20 sides during the week.
Mervue have proven a difficult side to beat on home turf this season, but Shels will be expected to collect a valuable three points in their promotion push but will expect nothing less than another difficult assignment. The home team will also be keen to avenge that heavy defeat in Tolka and maybe set the record straight.
Prediction: A vital 3-1 win for the visitors in their promotion push.
The last time these two sides met at Tolka Park back in July, it proved a very harsh lesson for Mervue as they were easily brushed aside by a rampant Shelbourne side who recorded their biggest win of the season. The first time the two sides met was a more difficult game for Keely's men, as a very good performance by Mervue back in early April almost saw them claim a creditable draw but for a very late Kevin Doherty header which saw Shels escape Terryland with the win.
Last week Shels dropped two valuable points at home in their promotion race as they drew 3-3 with Limerick FC in a very entertaining game. A disappointing result for the Tolka Park outfit, particularly as they lead twice in the game and allowed Limerick’s Stephen O’Flynn a very late equaliser to complete his hat-trick. The form of four points in their last three games would need to improve if Shels are to ensure promotion back to the Premier Division.
Mervue go into this game on the back of three successive defeats to Limerick, Finn Harps and Monaghan Utd. They were also involved in an entertaining six-goal thriller last Friday night, playing out a 4-2 loss at Monaghan, with U18 player Pat Hoban scoring both goals, his first in the League of Ireland.
Shelbourne will head west without the services of the suspended duo of Anto Flood and Robbie Hedderman while David Cassidy (knee) and Richie Baker (hamstring) are still injured. Kevin Doherty is expected to return after a long lay-off with a calf injury while Alan Keely could also return having recovered from a hip injury.
Mervue manager Johnny Glynn will have to make do without the injured Rynal Browne and Nigel Keady, while David Goldbey is suspended having reached four yellow cards. Mark Ludden is also a doubt due to illness but, on the plus side, Neil Keane and Evan Connolly should return to the squad having scored for the club’s junior and under 20 sides during the week.
Mervue have proven a difficult side to beat on home turf this season, but Shels will be expected to collect a valuable three points in their promotion push but will expect nothing less than another difficult assignment. The home team will also be keen to avenge that heavy defeat in Tolka and maybe set the record straight.
Prediction: A vital 3-1 win for the visitors in their promotion push.
About Terry Flaherty
Terry has been writing for Extratime since 2009 and is based out west in Galway covering Mervue United, Salthill Devon, and now this season the newly formed, Galway FC. Terry has written articles for many … View Full Profile