Mervue & Hibs register decisive wins

Date Published: 18-Mar-2008

GOING back for decades, Mervue United and Hibernians have very much been to the fore in the chase for honours at both local and provincial level.

The early weeks of the season saw both struggle as they trailed in the lower regions of the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier league and as the campaign progressed the sides displayed contrasting fortunes.

Hibernians woke from their early slumber and some fantastic form under trying circumstances has seen them move up the table, while in contrast Mervue Utd have remained almost static in the lower regions.

Last Sunday has turned out to be a pivotal one for both sides as they gained results that will have a huge bearing on the rest of their season. Hibernians’ comfortable 3-0 win over Dynamo Blues has moved them to within a point of long time leaders Athenry and the city side still enjoy a game in hand. Unless a dark horse emerges the title chase looks to be between these two sides.

Now at the foot of the table the trio of Renmore, Colga and Kiltullagh are unseperable on seven points, but just above them Mervue found themselves in unfamiliar territory as they were just two points better off. However,while Sunday’s 5-1 win over Kiltullagh was rather flattering, it has given them a five point breathing space and it is unlikely that they will slip back into the relegation dogfight.

Now it was another weekend when the fixture list was decimated by postponments, but some Connacht Junior Cup action saw Athenry advance to the semi-final with a deserved, but hard earned, 3-1 win over Erris Utd.

There was no joy for the students of NUIG for, despite a hattrick by Micky Creane, they were beaten 4-3 by Manor Rangers. That result sets up a meeting with Mervue Utd (at home) in the last sixteen and gives Noel McDonnell’s charges an opportunity to gain revenge for a hammering they received when the sides met in the FAI Junior Cup a number of months ago.