Keith Kelly

MERVUE United will be hoping it is a case of ‘lucky 13’ for them tonight when they travel to the south-east to take on Waterford United in the Fourth Round of the FAI Cup (kick-off 7.45pm).

Johnny Glynn’s side go into the game having failed to beat the Blues in any of their previous 12 encounters, and the Mervue United manager will be hoping the fact the game is away from the pressure-cooker of the league will enable his side to relax a little and, as a result, play to their ability.

“It is nice to have a Cup game, but I suppose it’s fair to say we are disappointed that it is against a team from our own division. That said, they won’t be looking forward to the game, they know they will be in for a tough clash, and the fact that league points are not at stake might just let our lads relax a little more.

“We are down a few bodies, but that gives the lads who come in a chance to lay down a claim of their own. Obviously we are looking to win the game – it’s not my style to go into a game looking to do anything other than win it – but considering the opposition, the fact we’re away from home, and the players we are missing, I’d certainly settle for bringing them back to our place on Monday night for a replay,” Glynn says.

Injuries and suspension have robbed Glynn of some key players, with Alan Murphy, Martin Conneely and Noel Varley all ruled out through injury. Throw in the fact Mike Elwood is suspended, and both Ger Hanley and Tom King are struggling for fitness, and it makes for a grim outlook for the Fahy’s Field side.

“It is not ideal, but you can only play the players you have available, and everyone who makes the squad for the game will be there on merit. We lost last weekend against Longford, but we played very well and created a number of chances – Tony Cousins [Longford manager] couldn’t believe they were two-up at the break, we must have had eight very good chances in the first half alone,” Glynn says.

A failing with Mervue this season has been their habit of conceding early goals, and it happened again in Flancare Park last Saturday when the home side took the lead after just eight minutes.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.