Mervue United -v- SD Galway

MERVUE UTD
The curtain comes down on what has been a disappointing campaign for Johnny Glynn’s young side who were expected to perform much better than their finishing position of seventh following on from last season’s performance.

The loss of several key players most notably Rory Gaffney (Limerick), John Mountney (Dundalk) and Ger Hanley (since returned to the club from Dundalk after a broken hand) was one of the reasons although former Galway Utd players Gary Kelly, Stephen Walsh and Alan Murphy did come in. It took them time to settle into their new surroundings, while Murphy, despite scoring seven times only managed 15 games in a curtailed campaign.

That said striker Pat Hoban has had an excellent season bagging 12 goals in total, nine in the league and three in the FAI Cup, while Cork youngster Michael McSweeney has also had a good season for the Galway side and Tom King also made a welcome return from a serious knee injury.

On Saturday evening they have a Galway derby game with city rivals SD Galway to finish off their season and no better reason to end the season on a high and complete a four game unbeaten run and claim local bragging rights if they are to win.

Glynn will be able to call on midfielder Shane Keogh who returns after suspension, while Alex Lee, Kevin Crehan, Brian Connolly and Andy Higgins are all available again this weekend having missed last week’s win in Waterford. Defender Marc Ludden and goalkeeper Connor Gleeson will both miss the game through illness.

SD GALWAY
In-form SD Galway will arrive at Fahy’s Field in confident mood on the back of four wins from their last seven games but while they were defeating Finn Harps 2-0 last Friday night, their city rivals were recording their first ever league win over Waterford Utd in the RSC to end any hopes of Tony Mannion’s side coming off the bottom of the First Division table.

Mannion’s side though do hold the upper hand in the most recent battles between the two Galway rivals, having won both league meetings in June and August on 2-1 scorelines, while Mervue won the FAI Cup encounter 2-0 in May and the opening derby game of the season finished 2-2 back in April.

SD Galway will have to plan without young fullback Colm Horgan as he has been called up to the Irish Under 19 squad, while captain Paddy Quinlan has missed the last few games due to work commitments.

The question on most people’s minds is will both of these club’s be back for more next season or will we see one team from Galway emerge after last week’s O’Connor report on senior soccer in the county which has recommended just that.

Referee: Robert Harvey (Dublin)

MATCH STATS

Mervue had yet to win a game against their city rivals on home turf as they drew 0-0 at Fahy’s Field last season and Salthill won the only meeting this season 2-1 back in June.

Despite only one scoreless draw between the two sides, an average of 3 goals per game has been recorded in the other nine derby games.

In the ten derby games to date since 2010 Mervue have four victories compared with SD Galway’s three wins, while the sides have played out three draws.

BETTING:
Mervue Utd 8/13, Draw 12/5, SD Galway 4/1

PREDICTION:
Honours even - 2-2 Draw

Mervue United Injured: Kenny Farrell (ankle), Marc Ludden (sick) and Connor Gleeson (sick).
Mervue United Doubtful: none
Mervue United Suspended: None

SD Galway Injured: None
SD Galway Unavailable: Colm Horgan (International Duty)
SD Galway Suspended: None