High flying Mervue Utd run riot against hapless OLBC

PREDICTABLY, the early season pattern sees Mervue United maintain their impressive form as they remain unbeaten at the summit of the Premier Division, but the shock of the weekend was the defeat of Hibernians by newly promoted St Patrick’s.

It was their second defeat in three outings and not the type of start that one would expect of a side enriched with a lot of new signings, while the difficulties of OLBC and East United continue as they remain winless at the foot of the table.

Mervue United 8  OLBC 0

The quartet of Mervue substitutes involved in the half time kick about raised some eyebrows as Barry Moran, Simon Walsh, Eric Browne and Derek McWalter amongst others enjoyed the banter.

It was an occasion when they were not required as the management of Gary O’Connor and Ger McGrath rotated their squad and the boys were left to watch, rather than participate.

No doubt, the pre-season difficulties of OLBC had a large bearing on that and their limited selection was further stretched on Sunday morning by the decision of some of their players not to bother turning up.

For 35 minutes, they certainly made the home side work as they kept them scoreless. However, the reality was that it was only a matter of time and four goals in the closing minutes of the half gave the home side a rather flattering margin of comfort.

Midfielder Barry McEntee eventually kick started Mervue’s goal glut, with Dan Tuck, Alex Lee and Stephen Larkin all following suit before the break.

The Boys Club rearguard were certainly working overtime to repel the ongoing attacks as Jimmy Jennings, Martin Daly, Patsy Kenny along with goalkeeper Adrian McPhilbin were doing Trojan work in limiting the damage.

The resumption saw Steve Cunningham set up Alex Lee for his second on 56 minutes and thereafter Dan Tuck and Dara Ryan (two) added to their tally as the defending champions made it three wins from three in the opening week of the new campaign.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.