Larkin proves Mervue's saviour again in defeat of West United

Mike Rafferty

FOR the second week in succession, Stephen Larkin came to Mervue United’s rescue as he converted an injury time penalty in their 3-2 win against West United at Fahy’s Field. The victory moves them five points clear of second placed Athenry, who enjoy two games in hand in the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier League. Meanwhile, in the lower regions of the table, NUIGalway gave Dynamo Blues a bit of a hiding as they moved into a more comfortable mid table position.

Mervue United 3West United 2

With the game already in additional time Stephen Cunningham was upended in the box and Stephen Larkin took responsibility to blast the spot kick past former Mervue great Tony Cooke to give the home side their get out of jail card.

In terms of possession and chances created, it was a merited reward, but it was rough justice on a West side who came from a goal down at the break to take the lead on 71 minutes. However Mervue’s ability to move the ball quickly and into various channels gave them an option that the visitors just didn’t have.

From the outset, the home side were sharp out of the blocks and Cooke had to be at his best to keep out efforts by Colie Kelly and Larkin in the opening minutes. It took them until the 34th minute before they made their breakthrough when Vinny O’Connor set up Kelly for the opener. Miko Nolan and Kelly went close to adding to their tally before the break before West levelled matters on the hour mark.

A long ball wasn’t well dealt with by the home rearguard and former Bohs striker Liam Keane ran on unchallenged to make it 1-1 as he slotted past the unprotected stand in Arron Finnerty. The goal gave the visitors a bit of urgency and they took the lead on 71 minutes when Kevin Keane rose in a crowded box to powerfully head home a Tom Burke free kick from half way.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.