Mervue Utd hope to keep top-three bid on track

Mervue United will look to keep their hopes of a top three First Division finish alive, which would secure them a place in the promotion play-offs, when they travel to face Finn Harps in Ballybofey tonight (8pm).

Currently lying in fourth place, four points behind Longford Town and Waterford United – both on 41 points – Mervue must secure favourable results in their remaining four games if they are to conclude life in the Airtricity League on a high.

Certainly, given the manner in which Mervue United – which will come under the umbrella of a new Galway FC side due to come on stream next season – have conducted themselves during this campaign, a top three finish is still a realistic target.

However, in addition to securing a result at Finn Harps this evening, the city outfit will also need to take points from their fixtures against Longford Town, Cobh Ramblers and Wexford Youths in the final run-in.

Mervue United will be without the versatile Marc Ludden who is suspended after reaching four yellow cards. Glynn also has a couple of injury concerns, with midfielder Gary Kelly (mouth) and striker Benny Lavelle (ankle) both doubtful.

If league leaders Athlone Town defeat Salthill Devon at Drom this evening (7.45pm) – and Waterford United and Longford Town both fail to win their respective games – the Midlanders will be crowned First Division champions.

Both teams have their suspensions, with Evan Preston Kelly and Willie Enubele out for Salthill and Philip Gorman to miss the clash for Athlone.