Hibernians come from two down to maintain 100% start to season

Mike Rafferty

While Mervue United might top the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division table, four sides lie in their slipstream just a point adrift, with Hibernians amazingly the only team with full points having played just two games so far. The Bohermore outfit came from 3-1 down midway through the second half to inflict a first defeat of the campaign on St Bernard’s as Keith Ward struck for a late winner in a 5-4 success.

Mervue were certainly in a competitive encounter with Corrib Rangers before emerging 4-2 victors, while East United came out on top as they saw off Corrib Celtic by 3-2 in the meeting of the promoted sides.

In the remaining top flight contest at Drom, Athenry always had the edge in a 3-1 win over Salthill Devon.

St Bernard’s 4Hibernians 5

The city side peaked just at the right time as they came from two down to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

However a problem for Martin Devlin’s charges was the loss of goalkeeper John Cotter through a second half injury, and with the club not exactly well populated with custodians, it might cause problems in the games ahead.

Just like last season, Bernard’s had started the campaign with two wins and they took an early lead through Mark Finn. However Mike Tierney’s first goal since his return to his old stomping ground levelled matters at 1-1.

Goals each side of the break by Tom Forde and Kevin Ruane put the home side 3-1 ahead, before the visitors recovery was kick-started by a Danny McDonagh strike. Ward set up the equaliser for Liam Hreherow as he slid one home from close range to tie up matters at 3-3.

Hibernians continued to drive on and they took the lead when Adam Lee set up Brian Crowe to eventually force home number four after the crossbar and goalkeeper Denis Farragher had kept out earlier efforts.

Mark Murphy was now in goal for the departed Cotter, and he misjudged a long range free from Ruane as the ball nestled in the net to level proceedings at 4-4.

The city side then had the final say when Tierney and Hreherow were involved in the build up before Keith Ward applied the finish from 15 yards to complete the perfect recovery as they ran out 5-4 winners.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.