Mervue United -v- Finn Harps

MERVUE UNITED 

Unbeaten Mervue have started this season with full-blooded purpose. A point earned at Athlone Town on opening night was followed by their first home win of the season when they beat local rivals Salthill Devon 2-1.

Last weekend, however, was the real eye opener for the rest of the teams in the First Division as Johnny Glynn’s side travelled all the way down to a much fancied Waterford United and thumped Paul O’Brien’s team 4-0.

Club captain Tom King has lead by example, scoring four goals in as many games and the winger must maintain his desire for the net if Mervue are to capitalise on the early season pickings.

Johnny Glynn has a full squad to choose from but 16 year old Ryan Manning is again unavailable as the club’s Under 17 side continue their march to FAI Umbro Cup glory. 

Speaking to the club’s website Glynn was full of praise for his player’s performance against Waterford, but, warned against compliancy in Friday’s match against Harps.

“Last week's result in Waterford was a great boost to us so early in the season. Tom King, Noel Varley and Jason Molloy were all on target last week, while Brendan Lavelle had an excellent game up front and Connor Gleeson was excellent in goal making some crucial saves.

Harps will be a huge test for us now, this is Peter Hutton’s first full season in charge and he has ensured that his squad is well prepared for the challenges of a tough First Division campaign.”

FINN HARPS

As the two teams head into Friday’s evenly poised game, Harps are joint top with Mervue on seven points but the Galway side hold sway thanks to a one goal differential.

Peter Hutton’s side are also unbeaten in the league and, last Saturday, ended Longford Town’s seamless start to their league campaign with an efficient 1-0 win in Ballybofey. Striker Kevin McHugh was again on the scoresheet for Harps with his third in two games.

That win was also Harps’ first clean sheet of the season as their defence stood firm and looked comfortable defending Longford’s set pieces. 

Hutton was delighted with his team’s defending but praised McHugh, who, along with striker partner, Sean McCarron, have notched up all of Harps’ six league goals so far this season. 

“Kevin took his goal extremely well and his hold up play was again an example to any young aspiring centre forward. Kevin has got himself in great physical condition and is leading by example in terms of what is required to play successfully at this level so his presence both on and off the field will undoubtedly help influence the younger players in a positive manner.”

Adverse weather conditions have severely affected sporting occasions around the country this past week. However, the west of Ireland has escaped the snow blizzards thus far and, despite the bitter coldness, a good evening’s football is in store for both sets of fans at Fahy’s Fields.   

Referee: Kevin O'Regan.

MATCH STATS

Mervue United and Finn Harps have met nine times in the league since 2009. At Fahy’s Field Mervue have won four of the five games between the two teams.

Last season’s 1-1 draw at Mervue was the first time in five attempts Harps came away from the Galway venue with something to show for their efforts.

Finn Harps’ Kevin McHugh was one of three players to finish joint top of the scoring charts last season with 13 goals.

BETTING

Mervue united 8/5; draw 9/4; Finn Harps 7/5.

PREDICTION

Harps may have too much up front for Mervue - Mervue Utd 1-2 Finn Harps.

Mervue United

Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Unavailable: Ryan Manning

Finn Harps

Injured: Ciaran Coll (cartilage tear).
Doubtful: Marc Brolly (flu).
Suspended: None.