Games Ð and goals Ð in short supply at weekend

Games, goals and drama were very much in short supply over the weekend as a much reduced programme was further hit by postponements, as just one goal was scored in two Premier Division contests.

The outcome saw Mervue United fail to take full advantage of Corrib Rangers inactivity as they joined them at the top of the Premier League following a scoreless draw away to St Bernard’s, while Athenry made it five wins on the trot with a narrow success over Hibernians.

In the First Division, Tuam Celtic came from behind at the break to defeat Maree/Oranmore and in the process moved five points clear at the top of the First Division.

PREMIER DIVISIONSt Bernard’s 0Mervue United 0Mervue United manager Gary O’Connor responded to the recent adversities suffered by his side when he dropped four of his regular starters, as Keith McHugh, Eric Browne, Stephen Cunningham and Michael Lundy were all benched for this encounter in Abbeyknockmoy.

Having lost their previous two games and conceded nine goals in the process, the changes saw Vinny O’Connor, Aaron Finnerty, Derek McWalter and Dara Ryan come into the starting XI.

Bernard’s can certainly be competitive when required, and after taking four points off Corrib Rangers in their previous two outings, they indeed had the ability to cause another upset.

The first half certainly produced the best of the chances, with Mervue always looking to be the more threatening side.

Paul Sinnott, Adam Lee and Stephen Larkin went closest to a breakthrough for the visitors, while one save by Denis Farragher left everyone in awe, as he turned in mid-air to push away a Larkin header that was bound for the top corner.

At the other end, the home side were struggling to create, with just a misplaced pass setting up Kevin Ruane, but the striker pulled his effort badly wide.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.