Mervue United -v- Salthill Devon

• Terry Flaherty
• Fri, May 20 2011


The second Galway derby of the Airtricity First Division takes place at Fahy’s Field on Friday night as Mervue United host city neighbours Salthill Devon. Kick-off 7.45 p.m.

Johnny Glynn’s side will be looking to register a third home win on the bounce having defeated both Monaghan United and Finn Harps in their last two home games. Last weekend a goal in either half from winger Tom King secured a fourth win of the campaign for Mervue and moved them back to sixth in the table as their improvement this season continued.

Ironically Mervue’s defeat of Finn Harps last weekend ensured Salthill Devon move off the bottom of the table following their first win of the season away to Wexford Youths. Paul McGee’s second game in charge resulted in the Seasiders coming from a goal down at half time to grab all three points. Second half goals from Paddy Quinlan, Victor Collins and Ciprian Straut doubled their goals scored this season and more importantly secured a vital win.

Glynn was happy with last week’s win over Harps but feels his team have more improvement in them commenting “We were delighted with the result and particularly the performance, but I still believe we have a lot more room for improvement in the side. We responded well after conceding the Harps goal and created a lot of chances in the second half”.

On this week’s derby game Glynn commented “Friday night’s game will be another close affair, as is always the case against Salthill in a local derby and there is never more than a kick of a ball between us, but we will go into the game in a confident mood and have home advantage”.

Glynn’s only injury worry is goalkeeper Ger Hanley who had to retire at half time against Finn Harps last week with a shoulder injury; he is 50/50 to be fit for the game. On the plus side the experienced duo of Nicky Curran and Eric Browne will return from injury and suspension respectively. Damien O’Rourke remains a long term injury absentee due to his on-going Achilles problem. This will also be defender Mike Elwood’s last game involved as he immigrates to the USA next week.

Salthill will be without Daniel Rupa who serves a one game suspension, while Cian McBrien, Cian Fadden and Brian Gaffney play their last game for McGee as they are also immigrating to America.

Games between these two sides are always competitive affairs with local bragging rights at stake. The visitors will be looking to avenge a 2-1 defeat at home in the opening game of the season, while the home side will be hoping to continue their fine form to date in this campaign.

Mervue Utd
Injured: Damien O’Rourke (achiles)
Doubtful: Ger Hanley (shoulder)
Suspended: None

Salthill Devon
Injured: Robbie Porter
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Daniel Rupa

>Referee: Darren Coombes
Paddy Power Odds: Mervue Utd 8/15, Draw 5/2, Salthill Devon 5/1
Extratime prediction: A draw looks on the cards 1-1.