Late Shanahan strike sees Mervue United maintain solid home form

Mervue United 2    Salthill Devon 1

Mike Rafferty at Fahy’s Field

 Mervue United made it five wins from eight home games when a second half brace by Gary Shanahan gave them merited victory over a Devon side that seldom looked like making a breakthrough at Fahy’s Field on Saturday evening.

As matters stand, it was the last League of Ireland meeting of the sides at the east-side venue, but despite the occasion, an official attendance of just 245 patrons witnessed an encounter that never could be classed as riveting.

On a pristine surface, the opening half offered little but honest endeavour, but in fairness the second half was a much more lively affair, with three goals and a sending off.

Home manager Johnny Glynn made six changes to a side that had lost for the second time in succession the previous week and the occasion saw league debuts for former Ballina Town duo, central defender Ross Kenny and striker Michael Duffy.

Kenny belied his tender years with an assured performance at the back alongside Paul Sinnott, while Duffy looked raw but enthusiastic in a front running role. However, the Mayo man made a telling contribution when setting up the Shanahan for the winner on 85 minutes.

Devon were deprived of the services of Alex Byrne, Brian Geraghty and Timmy Molloy, but for all their neat patterns of play, they lacked a cutting edge as returning home custodian Conor O’Malley had a very comfortable evening.

That said, at the other end Ronan Forde wasn’t exactly overworked either, but he did make the first save of the game on nine minutes when getting down to keep out a Noel Varley shot. Another comfortable stop denied Duffy shortly afterwards, before a solid challenge by Colm Horgan thwarted the striker as he chased a through ball.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.