Late agony for Mervue

LEAGUE of Ireland newcomers Mervue United came within minutes of denying high-flying Shelbourne a fifth consecutive league victory in an entertaining encounter at Terryland Park on Friday.Resolute defending and an outstanding display by deputising goalkeeper Eoin Martin succeeded in repelling waves of Shelbourne attacks until a headed goal by Kevin Doherty three minutes from time broke the deadlock to leave Mervue still seeking their inaugural home victory.Johnny Glynn’s side were clearly buoyed by their first win against Monaghan the previous weekend and looked more like a team capable of consolidating their League of Ireland status, or at least one prepared to die trying. The dogged determination of their back four frustrated Shels and they coped well with the persistent threat of quick forwards Anto Flood and Paddy Madden for most of the game.The visitors looked dangerous from the beginning and had the best of the opening exchanges. A clearance by Damian O’Rourke after just four minutes fell to Paddy Madden outside the area, but the Shels striker blasted the ball over Eoin Martin’s crossbar.Mervue were...