Molloy and Hoban on target for improving Mervue United

Wexford Youths 1Mervue United 2

MERVUE United recorded back-to back wins for the first time this season as a goal in either half was enough to see off Wexford Youths at Ferrycarrig Park on Friday night and, in the process, secure a first away victory of the season.

Manager Johnny Glynn made two changes to the side which defeated Athlone last week as Marc Ludden and Michael McSweeney returned in the full backs positions with Stephen Walsh dropping to the bench and James Casserly off to the USA on a four year soccer scholarship.

In contrast to last week’s opening half, this game started brightly with Pat Hoban going close on two occasions with the home keeper Graham Doyle saving well from the first and his second effort flying wide. Wexford responded with Eric Molloy picking out Joe Mulcahy, but the striker’s lobbed effort just went the wrong side of Connor Gleeson’s crossbar on seven minutes.

Mervue opened the scoring just five minutes later when good work from Hoban enabled him to send a good ball into the danger area and Jason Molloy arrived to apply the required finish past Doyle for his fifth goal of the season.

Gleesson kept his side ahead on 25 minutes when Mulcahy released Shane Nolan through on goals after an exchange of passes, but the Mervue keeper advanced to save well. Hoban headed a free-kick just over the crossbar before the break as Mervue went into the interval leading by that early Molloy goal.

Glynn’s side almost doubled their lead a minute into the second period when Tom King rose highest to head the ball against the Wexford crossbar before the danger was cleared. They did increase their lead to 2-0 with 17 minutes remaining when Hoban met McSweeney’s free-kick delivery with a diving header at the back post which gave Doyle no chance.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.