Crucial wins for Mervue and Devon but West lose ground

Soccer Round-Up with Mike Rafferty

In their first game for a month, Mervue United had to work hard for a home win over St Bernard’s and in the process returned to the top of the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division; while Salthill Devon proved that they will certainly be posing a strong challenge in the title race with a midweek demolition of West United.

Athenry are the third side who are very much involved in the race for honours and while they were not in action at the weekend, they are preparing for their FAI Junior Cup last 32 contest away to Manulla on Sunday.

In Division 1, Tuam Celtic appear to have stolen a march on their nearest challengers as they moved clear at the top of the table following an impressive dismissal of Knocknacarra, while all of their promotion rivals slipped up when dropping points.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Mervue United 5

St Bernard’s 2

Gareth Gorman’s charges knew a win would restore their position at the top of the Premier League and they achieved the required win with a less than impressive amount of conviction.

A goal to the good at the break, they made the most of the opportunities that came their way on the resumption, but they were really tested by a side who lie at the foot of the table and who belied their lowly status with an impressive performance.

It was the home side who took an early lead when Jason Molloy provided the assist and Barry Moran applied the finish past Denis Farragher; before Matt Cosgrove levelled matters with a tap-in after a Shane King cross set him up.

Mervue regained the advantage before the break, when Andrew Connolly nodded in from close range after a cross deflected off a defender’s head and into his path to make it 2-1.

They extended their advantage on 56 minutes when Enda Curran converted from the spot, after the home side were awarded a soft penalty when Connolly got a gentle nudge in the back from a slipping Farragher on the end-line.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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