Mervue Utd make their point on an historic night

Date Published: 14-Mar-2011

Mervue United 1

Cork City 1

CIARAN TIERNEY

The elements may not have been kind to Mervue United on the night of their first real ‘home’ game in the First Division of the League of Ireland, but a spirited fight-back from the players gave the hardcore followers a result to savour at Fahy’s Field on Friday night.

After two years at Terryland, Mervue were finally in a position to play a League game at their own home ground. But the incessant downpour right up to kick-off kept the attendance down to just over 400 committed supporters. With no covered stand, those who did turn up even had a lengthy snow shower to deal with in the second half.

But, having accounted for Salthill in the opening day derby the previous weekend, morale was clearly high in the Mervue camp for the visit of a Cork side who overcame them in all three First Division encounters last season.

It is still incredible to see Cork, Premier Division champions six years ago, ply their trade in the second tier of Irish football, but their diminished status gives a stark reminder of the harsh economic climate which League of Ireland clubs have to operate in.

Cork expected to take all three points from this encounter and to challenge for promotion this season. They looked to be in the driving seat when they were gifted the game’s opening goal less than two minutes into the second half.

An up-field punt from the industrious Greg O’Halloran fell into the path of Mervue central defender Eric Browne in his own penalty area and, as home goalkeeper Ger Hanley called out for it, the hapless Browne forced the ball into his own net.

It was a bitter blow to a Mervue side who had soaked up plenty of Cork pressure, without much trouble, in the first half and, instead of feeling sorry for themselves, the home side set about hauling back the visitors’ lead in the rain and snow.

It was a second half performance which must have brought great satisfaction to home manager Johnny Glynn, serving a touchline ban here. Glynn rang the changes, introducing Rory Gaffney and James Casserley to the fray, as his men showed great resolve. Gaffney proved to be a key figure in their fight-back.

Good approach play from Mark Ludden and Gaffney saw inspirational captain Mike Tierney put a clear chance well wide before Tierney combined with Ludden, only for the midfielder to unleash another poor strike.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.