Mervue Utd stretch their lead at top of the Premier Division

Mervue United continue to stride away at the summit of the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division, the Fahy’s Field side enjoying a nine point lead over second place Oranmore, who do have two games in hand.

Athenry remain in third, while two wins in a week had moved Hibernians into fourth position and although they require some of the leading trio to slip up, they still fancy their chances as they also have to face some of the contenders in remaining games.

Corrib Celtic will be joining East United in the top flight next season as the duo have secured their promotion from the First Division, while OLBC continue to streak away at the top of the Second Division and with two games this week, will definitely be confirmed as champions by the weekend.

PREMIER LEAGUEMervue United were always in command in Tuam as they eventually saw off the Dynamo Blues challenge by 4-2 and in the process increased their lead at the top of the table.

A brace of opening-half headers by Dara Ryan and Keith McHugh had them in command at the break, but the home side pulled one back when John Ross Bodkin scored. Almost immediately Robert Connolly opened up the visitors two goal advantage once more. Blues had an opportunity to close the gap when awarded a penalty, but John Farragher’s spot kick was saved by Ryan Griffin.

While Bodkin did reduce the arrears to 3-2 with his second of the contest, it was Colie Kelly who had the final say when slotting home Mervue’s fourth.

Second-placed Oranmore were in midweek action, but a 2-0 home defeat against Hibernians didn’t exactly help their title prospects. Daniel Small knocked home the opener in the first half after a Conor Cleary effort was blocked in the box and in the final minute Liam Hrehorow cracked home a stunning free kick for the second.

Athenry were comfortable 2-0 winners over St Bernard’s as goals by Alan O’Donovan and Gary Forde maintained their title challenge.On Sunday morning in Bohermore, Stephen Henrique’s yellow boots were the brightest thing on offer as the home side notched a late winner when defeating NUI Galway by 2-1. It was scoreless at the break, before a Keith Ward free kick edged Hibernians in front, but Philip Keegan levelled matters at 1-1 after getting on the end of a Ger Cheevers pass.

With a stalemate on the cards, a Danny McKeague shot from outside the box took a cruel deflection and even the scrambling Mark Cobey could not get across to deflect it away as the home side sneaked a late winner.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.