Shelbourne -v- Mervue Utd

• Terry Flaherty
• Fri, Jul 03 2009


Mervue Utd resume First Division action with a tough first trip to Tolka Park and a meeting with table toppers Shelbourne (kick-off 8pm). Mervue go into this game on the back of a 5-1 roasting by Monaghan Utd while Shelbourne have won their last five league games which has seen them climb to the top spot.

Johnny Glynn’s side couldn’t have asked for a tougher assignment following their capitulation against Monaghan but they need to start collecting points having only won once in their last five games. Glynn’s team has been struggling of late with a long list of injuries as seven regulars have ruled out recently. Shelbourne on the other hand have been flying before the recent break despite an FAI Cup defeat to non league Crumlin; their only recent blip.

Mervue will welcome back Mike Tierney, Mixie Harty and Gary Traynor for the trip to the capital while Nigel Keady is a doubt due to work commitments. Glynn will though be without Nicky Curran, David O’Dowd, Ger McGrath and Noel McDonnell as they are all still recovering from injuries.

Dermot Keely will have to plan without defender Kevin Doherty (suspended) who got a very late winner when these two sides met back in April in Terryland Park. Keely will also be without Paddy Madden who was recalled by Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon from his loan spell during the week. Derek Doyle is also out with a hamstring injury while Stephen Quigley is also doubtful with an ankle knock.

On current form Shelbourne will be hot favourites to maintain their five game unbeaten run and continue their leadership of the First Division. However, Mervue will travel east in an attempt to restore confidence in a side that have only won once in their last eight league games. A difficult assignment awaits for the Galwegian's. Shels will be confident of collecting all three points but will be weary of a side that have caused a few surprises already in their maiden season in the League of Ireland.

Extratime.ie Prediction: A home win for Shels 2-0 to extend their winning league run to six games.