Limerick FC -v- Mervue United

• Andrew Cunneen
• Thu, Jun 30 2011


Limerick will be looking to capitalise on their cup success over Monaghan in midweek as Mervue United visit Jackman Park this Friday evening. Mervue are a much improved force this season, and nothing should be taken for granted in this one. (Kickoff 7.45 pm)

Limerick come off the back of an impressive 5-0 demolition of Monaghan United on Tuesday night, seeing the Blues progress to the last four of the EA Sports Cup. Jeffrey Judge grabbed a hat-trick in that affair with the other goals coming from Thomas Lyons and Garbhan Coughlan. While the Limerick team was far from full strength, it did feature some regular starters, but the average age was extremely young with ten of the thirteen that featured being under twenty-two.

In their last league encounter Limerick escaped from Ferrycarrig Park with all three points following a late own goal from Craig Wall which gifted the Shannonsiders the win in a highly entertaining 3-2 win against Wexford Youths.

Mervue, on the other hand, had no cup tie during the week and had their bye week last Friday, so action has been limited from Fahys Field in recent times. Their last league encounter was also against Wexford. The final score from Fahys Field that day was 3-0 to United – an impressive display and a fantastic result that will help them consolidate their mid-table position.

Mervue manager Johnny Glynn is aware of Limerick’s threat. He said, “I watched Limerick on Tuesday night in their 5-0 win over Monaghan Utd and I was very impressed with their performance. It will be a big test for us but we will have a strong squad travelling and we will look to build on the 3-0 win against Wexford. July will be an important month for us starting with Limerick on Friday and further big games against Athlone Town, Monaghan and Waterford Utd.”

Pat Scully has somewhat of a selection problem for Friday, but in a good sense. Speaking to Extratime, Scully commended all his players after their win over Monaghan. “It’s going to be difficult to pick a team. I’m going to have some tough decisions to make on Friday but that’s what you want. You want to get people back fit, Frosty (John Frost) is back from suspension and I’m delighted for some of the young lads who played really well tonight.”

In their previous encounter this season, Fahy’s Field hosted the clash that saw Limerick prevail by two goals to nil as Stephen O’Flynn grabbed a brace. Pat Scully will be hoping for some of the same on Friday night.

Limerick FC:
Injured: Stephen O’Flynn (knee), David O’Leary (knee), Garry Sheahan (leg), Brian O’Callaghan (knee), James O’Brien (hernia).
Doubtful: Shane Tracy, Paudie Quinn.
Suspended: None.

Mervue United:
Injured: Nicky Curran (knee), Damien O’Rourke (achilles), Alex Lee (hamstring).
Doubtful: Dan Cunningham.
Suspended:   None.

Referee: John Grimes.
Paddy Power Odds: Limerick 1/4, Draw 4/1, Mervue 9/1.
Extratime prediction: A comfortable 2-0 home win.