Walsh fires Mervue into last 32 of FAI Junior Cup

Mervue United 1

Evergreen 0

Simon Walsh struck the crucial blow that sent Mervue United into the last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup as the hosts eventually wore down their Kilkenny visitors at Fahy’s Field on Saturday night.

Evergreen decided to take any advantage that was going when they won the toss and elected to play with the strong wind at their backs. Thereafter for the next 45 minutes they controlled matters, but outfield superiority failed to turn into any sort of advantage.

Mervue did not enjoy too many moments in attack in that opening half, with just a Barry Moran break and cross finding no takers on 31 minutes. Moran and Shane Keogh combined to set up Cunningham before the break, but goalkeeper Dargan cut out any danger.

The resumption saw the expected role reversal and indeed, to the advantage of the hosts, the wind strengthened, as Evergreen were pinned back in their own half for the duration, but the only goal of the game only came midway through the half.

Mervue right full Darvin Dowling delivered the ball down the line and when Whearty failed to cut it out, Stephen Cunningham was away. His cross was stepped over by Dara Ryan and Simon Walsh kept his 20 yard effort down as it flashed past Dargan for a 1-0 advantage on 71 minutes.

Thereafter the intensity of Mervue’s attacking play dropped, but when sheets of rain came down, it made it even more difficult for the Kilkenny side to get out of their own half. Indeed great credit is due to the Evergreen defence also, as they performed heroics to keep the home side at bay.

The draw for the Sixth Round of the FAI Junior Cup has rewarded the two remaining Galway League teams with home ties in the last 32.

Mervue United will face Cork AUL side Greenwood FC, while the students of NUI Galway will host Desmond League side Newcastle West FC.