Salthill Devon welcome St Francis to NFP Park for a crucial game in Group 2 of the FAI National League.
With both sides tied at the top on 11 points, and just two group games remaining, the magnitude of this game is obvious. The three group winners and the best-placed runner-up qualify for the semi-finals in November.
Greg Cunningham's team beat Mayo FC 2-1 last Saturday afternoon in a victory that keeps them at pace with St Francis. A Ronan Kerin double secured the vital three points in Mayo. St Francis defeated TU Dublin 2-0 at John Hyland Park in their last fixture.
In the reverse meeting between these two sides, Salthill Devon were defeated 4-1 by St Francis on a disappointing day in the capital.
It was Salthill Devon's first defeat of their National League campaign. Two first half goals by St Francis' Danny Hickey gave the home side control before they extended their lead after the break to seal the three points through goals by Conor Behan and Jamie Gray. Josh Keane-Quinlivan pulled one back for his side with a long range free-kick in the 84th minute.
That remains Salthill Devon's only defeat of the campaign. Cunningham's side will be desperate to reverse that result from September. Victory this Saturday could prove priceless in their quest to finish top of the group and qualify for the semi-finals.
Kick-off is 3pm this Saturday and NFP Park.
