UCD -v- Mervue United

• Gareth Penrose
• Fri, Jul 24 2009


Mervue United travel to second place UCD on Friday night (kick-off 19:45) hoping that they can stop the rot that has seen them ship 24 goals in their last six games with only three in reply. This poor run of form has Mervue in second last position in the League of Ireland First Division.

UCD’s last six games has seen them win four, draw one, but vitally drop all three points at home to promotion rivals Shelbourne. Martin Russell will have to plan without the services of key striker Ciaran Kilduff, who is out with a back injury. The striker is back in training but won't be ready for the Mervue game. Apart from Kilduff, Russell has a full squad to choose from.

Russell said he was pleased with the approach his players have taken in recent games against Wexford Youths and Dundee United.

“The attitude has been great. In all our games we've got to try and keep on pushing ourselves in all aspects but I can't fault our attitude, it's been spot on,” said Russell.

Mervue presented a tough challenge to the Students in their previous meeting this season and Russell is expecting a stern test on Friday.

“We've just got to play as well as we can. We can't control how Mervue approach things. I know Johnny Glynn the manager there, he's ambitious for them and he wants them to be the best they can. We're expecting them to be resilient.” said Russell.

Mervue manager Johnny Glynn has to plan without David O’Dowd and Rynal Browne, both are out through injury. There are no suspensions for either team.

Extratime.ie Prediction: UCD should have enough to notch another win and keep some pressure on league leaders Shelbourne. 3-1