Mervue Utd get back to winning ways to close gap at top of table

Mervue United 2
Waterford United 1

Jason Byrne at Fahy’s Field

It wasn’t for the footballing purist, but Mervue United got back to winning ways against Waterford United at Fahy’s Field on Friday night in what could prove to be one of their most crucial wins of the campaign.

Johnny Glynn’s men have still lost just once, and after drawing their last two which they should have won, this three points keeps them well in touch at the top of the First division standings.

Goals in either half from youngster Ryan Manning and stalwart Paul Sinnott were enough to make it four wins from four against the men from the southeast, against which Mervue had a dire record until last year.

The home side hit the front after just five minutes on Friday night when a superb cross from Gary Shanahan – who made his first start – was met by the head of the rising Manning, who finished with aplomb.

The youngster looks well able for this level, despite being just 16 years of age, showing why many tip him to enjoy a prosperous career. His reading of passes and runs are added bonuses to his lethal finishing.

Five minutes later, though, the visitors should have levelled the game when Daragh Walsh was sent clean through with just Conor Gleeson to beat, but the big ’keeper saved well.

With Brian O’Donoghue not risked after suffering concussion against Salthill Devon the previous weekend, Gleeson had a point to prove and two minutes later he made another fine stop to deny Waterford winger Peter Higgins.

Mervue spurned a glorious opportunity to double their lead on 17 minutes when Manning used his pace on the left to find space, and his swinging cross was met by Noel Varley, but he headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

As the half hour-mark approached, Shanahan continued to cause Waterford problems and he provided supply again in the form of a decent cross which Jason Molloy collected, but his shot was deflected clear.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.