Hibs cut the gap at the top as leaders Mervue slip up again

Date Published: 02-Apr-2012

Hibernians completed a seasonal double over NUI Galway at Dangan on Sunday and in the process moved themselves to within five points of Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division leaders Mervue United.

In a huge shock out in Abbeyknockmoy, the defending champions were humbled 3-1 by St Bernard’s, but while the gap between the top two might have closed, with both sides having just three games left, it is difficult to see Paugie Kilgannon’s charges slipping up at this stage.

Meanwhile Athenry eased their relegation worries with a 2-0 home win over a Corrib Celtic side, who now looked doomed to face the drop back into the First Division.

PREMIER LEAGUE

NUI Galway 2

Hibernians 3

Recent form would indicate that the students would be the fancied side here, but with Garrett Gorman’s charges under strength, an erratic Bohermore side took full advantage and were worthy of a greater margin of victory.

An opening half of dominance looked like it was going to end with no benefit, but a lucky break just before half-time saw a Keith Ward cross turned into his own net at the far post by Billy Cleary to give the visitors a 1-0 interval advantage.

Hibernians continued to hold the upper hand, and when Liam Hreherow released Namanja Spasojevic the young striker displayed great composure to round Blaine Sheridan and tap into an empty net for a 2-0 lead.

The third goal was a splendid effort that was created and finished by two impressive performers. Firstly Arron Ginty swept a terrific pass wide to Hreherow and then raced on to the return delivery to sweep the decisive score past Sheridan.

It proved to be an important strike as a College recovery closed the gap to the minimum.

While generally outplayed, the students had opportunities of their own to have gained some reward from the contest.

Ger Cheevers failed to get the better of Sheridan in a one-on-one situation, while veteran Cleary could only direct a header at the custodian.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.