King crowns winning debut as Mervue edge local derby

Salthill Devon 1Mervue United 2

Mike Rafferty

Tom King made his mark in the Premier Division of the League of Ireland over a few seasons with Galway United and his decision to relocate to Mervue paid immediate dividends as he notched the opener and played a huge part in the second as the visitors got their new season off to a winning start.

All the games rewards came in an action packed opening half where Mervue looked to be in control of matters after a terrific strike by Nicky Curran added to the opener and at that stage it was a fitting margin based on their performance.

However, they quickly lost their way and Ciprian Straut’s free header exposed a distinct lack of concentration as he reduced the arrears to the minimum. But Devon were unable to build on the goal, despite going close in the remaining minutes of the half.

For some reason the resumption never lived up to the same standard as most of the action ran from box to box and goalmouth action was rare.

Both selections were generally based on last year’s squads with Etanda Nkololo and Daniel Rupa new faces for the home side, while Mervue’s newcomers were more high profile as Tom King and Jason Molloy moved across town.

The early posturing saw both side’s stroke the ball around with confidence, but space was at a premium as the visitors five man midfield closed down the Devon channels.

It was Mervue who posed the earliest threat as an impressive Martin Conneely headed over following a Rory Gaffney free kick on 10 minutes, while at the other end another set piece set up Straut, but Hanley deflected away his shot for a corner.

Molloy dropped a soft effort into the midriff of Ronan Forde, before the Devon custodian’s huge clearance sent Victor Collins scampering through at the other end, but from the left side of the area he blasted a good chance well off target.

The visitors hit a good spell thereafter as Kevin Crehan and Noel Varley, allied to a more slightly forward Mike Tierney, enjoyed superiority in the midfield sector and they were rewarded with the lead on 26 minutes.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.