Mervue United strike late to extend lead at top of table

Mike Rafferty

Last season Mervue United suffered just one set back on their way to a first Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division title in seven years, and it was newly promoted St Bernard’s who inflicted that defeat.

On Sunday last, the same duo met again at Fahy’s Field and on this occasion the host’s confirmed the true order of merit, but they were made to battle, before three second half goals saw off the second placed side who finished with 10-men.

Hibernians took full advantage to join the Abbeyknockmoy side in second spot as they saw off the Oranmore challenge by 4-3 in Bohermore.

Mervue United 3St Bernard’s 0

While the gulf in class was evident, the home side were made work hard for their three points as they extended their advantage at the top of the table to six points.

Having failed to make a breakthrough after enjoying the advantage of the elements in the opening half, Mervue’s cause was certainly helped by the 49th minute dismissal of Dwane Finn and within seconds they made the vital breakthrough.  

The numerical advantage was to lead to greater chances as the game wore on, but it still took them until the closing 10 minutes before they increased that margin and pulled away from the visitors.

Chances were certainly at a premium in the opening half, with Jason Finn just wide of the target with a free-kick for the visitors, while Enda Curran fired over after being set up by Finn Creedon at the other end. Ger McGrath also knocked over a good chance before the break.

The game took its first turn just after the restart when Dwane Finn tugged back the fast breaking Curran outside the box and was dismissed for his action.

Shortly afterwards Eoin Concannon delivered a set-piece into the box and Tommy Walsh eventually finished off the loose ball for a 1-0 lead.Mervue had a great opportunity to increase their advantage when awarded a penalty on 78 minutes after Steve Cunningham was fouled in the box, but Curran’s spot-kick was saved by ’keeper Denis Farragher.

The second breakthrough eventually arrived when Concannon crossed for substitute Brian Meaney to make it 2-0 with a far post tap in.

A smart save by Brian O’Donoghue at the other end kept out an Eoghan Roach rasper, before the home side made it 3-0 in the final minute.

Meaney provided the delivery that set up Colie Kelly, but after his effort was saved by Farragher, Stephen Larkin was well positioned to bury the rebound and seal the home win.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.