SD Galway v Mervue United

SD GALWAY

Terryland  Park is the venue for another chapter in this Western rivalry. This will be the fourth competitive clash with Mervue and SD Galway sharing one win each while the first meeting of the sides ended in a 2-2 draw.

That win for SD came in the last meeting when they struck late on to take all three points. Many thought that win would spark a recovery but that has never materialised and in the following six games they have only taken one one.

As a  result the hosts are rooted to the bottom of the table with a mere seven points and losing any more ground to Mervue would be disastrous at this stage of the season.

But speaking ahead of the clash, SD manager  Tony Mannion feels that league position counts for little in these games and there’s a lot of pride at stake.

“There is always an extra incentive when we play Mervue. The players continue to work hard and will relish the opportunity to pit their wits against the ‘ould enemy’.”

He will be boosted by the performance of his latest signing, midfielder Jakub Tomanica, who performed well against Finn Harps and should cause the Mervue defence some problems. Former Mervue player Enda Curran is also back after a one game suspension and will be hoping to put one past his former teammates. Defender Nicky Curran is also back from injury and the only real doubt is to midfielder Eugene Greaney who has struggled during the week.

MERVUE UNITED

A recent up-turn in form has seen Mervue put some distance between themselves and their Galway rivals, but they will be aiming for revenge for the defeat the last time these sides faced each other.

Johnny Glynn’s side will be looking to bounce back to winning ways following a 2-0 defeat by third placed Waterford Utd at Fahy’s Field last Saturday night. Having gone into that game on the back of two wins over Athlone and Wexford, promotion chasing Waterford Utd claimed all three points with a goal in each half to overcome a below par Mervue side as the visitors struck early and late in the game to secure victory.

Speaking ahead of his side’s derby tie Glynn said “Last week’s performance was disappointing but there is no better game to get a response than a derby game with our neighbours SD Galway. Games between us have always been very tight with never more than a kick of a ball between us and I am not expecting it to be any different on Friday night”

Glynn will have to plan without the services of Martin Conneely and Kenny Farrell along with midfielder Shane Keogh while Alan Murphy continues to receive treatment on an ankle injury and is a major doubt.
 

However he will be boosted by the return of club captain Mike Elwood. New signings Dan Cunningham and Cian McBrien will also be pushing for a starting place with both making a second half appearance in last week’s game.

 

Referee: Sean Grant

 

MATCH FACTS

SD Galway have yet to win at home this season while Mervue have only won once away from home, that win coming against their rivals.

SD Galways last four away games have seen them fail to register a goal while Mervue have consistently scored away from home.

BETTING

SD Galway 7/2, Draw 12/5, Mervue 4/6

PREDICTION

Form might not count for much in a local derby but all things considered Mervue should have too much for their rivals 2-0 to the visitors.

SD Galway Injury News: Eugene Greaney (doubt)

SD Galway Suspension News: None

Mervue Injury News: Martin Conneely, Kenny Farrell, Shane Keogh Alan Murphy (doubt)

Mervue Suspension News: None