Salthill edge out Mervue in first City tie

Date Published: 25-Jul-2008

SALTHILL Devon withstood lengthy periods of intense pressure from Mervue United to steal three points from this eagerly anticipated derby and leapfrog their local rivals in the A Championship table at Fahy’s Field on Wednesday night.

Enda Dunne’s goal after 73 minutes proved to be the difference between the sides in what was initially a cautious encounter that neither side wanted to lose. His opportunity arose from a foiled Mervue attack after a loose ball fell to Eugene Greaney outside his own area. Greaney brought the ball forward and unleashed a through ball for Dunne that pitted him one on one with keeper Brian O’Donoghue, who was beaten by a cool finish.

Mervue will feel hard done by, however, as their domination in the first half failed to yield any goals. The gangly Brian Geraghty was integral in repelling the home side’s attacks as Salthill struggled to cope with the runs of powerhouse forward David Goldby.

Mervue attempted to capitalise on their domination and moved Mike Tierney into a more central role in support of Goldby, who had begun up front on his own. Salthill continued to absorb the pressure,
however, and some excellent play on the right wing thanks to the advances of full back David O’Brien was not enough to break the deadlock.

The stalemate ended in dramatic fashion within……..