Date Published: 14-Apr-2011

STEPHEN GLENNON

MERVUE United will look to leapfrog mid-table rivals, Limerick in the Airtricity First Division table when they face the Shannonsiders at Fahy Field this evening, Friday (7:45pm).

Indeed, a victory for Johnny Glynn’s outfit could see them climb into the top five and that would be a remarkable achievement given their relationship with the bottom of the table over the past number of seasons.

That said, judging on their opening five games, Mervue United have certainly showed signs that they are a squad moving in the right direction. Away victories over derby rivals Salthill Devon and Wexford Youths, and a draw against Cork City Foras, have yielded seven league points – one less than Limerick, who have two wins and two draws from six outings.

Mervue were also unlucky against Longford Town – a game they deserved to get something out of – while their only other defeat came to league leaders Shelbourne, a 2-1 loss at home last month. Definitely, no shame in that.

Their duels with Limerick last year also give rise to optimism. They drew their opening game at home 1-1, before going down 2-0 away mid-season. Their final game was a narrow 1-0 defeat at home, but if Mervue have improved in 2011, then reversing such a scoreline this evening is well within their scope.

Manager Glynn does have injury concerns, with long-term injury victim Dan Cunningham and Dave Goldbey both out, while striker Jason Molloy serves a one-match suspension, following four yellows.

However, Mervue would appear to be in good shape other than that, although Glynn – true to his nature – urges caution ahead of this important First Division fixture. “Yes, it is an opportunity for us to pick up three points, but we also have to put it into perspective. One of their player’s weekly wage would almost be the equivalent of what it takes to fund our team for the week. That’s if you were to look at it in financial terms.

“Now, I am not one of those managers that gives out about budgets or what have you – like other managers do – but Limerick have big plans and they are looking to get promoted this year,” says the Mervue boss.

Still, following a satisfactory start to their campaign, there has to be room for optimism this evening. “Absolutely,” agrees Glynn, "but all we want to do is focus on our next match. I am not one to be looking at tables too much, although I’m sure that (the opportunity to leapfrog Limerick) is probably something the lads are looking at themselves.

“I just want us to focus on our own performance, and try to get us into a winning habit. Confidence is a big thing for us, having been at the bottom of the table the last two seasons. So, wins help build confidence in a big way – it’s a good habit to get into – and we will be trying to take all three points on Friday evening. Certainly, they would be a massive, massive – three points for us,” concludes Glynn.