Mervue Utd 7-2 Conn Rangers (Connacht Youth Cup Semi-final)

The club's Youth team advanced to the Connacht Cup final after a convincing 7-2 win over Mayo side Conn Rangers at Fahy's Field on Sunday afternoon. 

Ryan Manning, fresh from his first Airtricity League goal on Friday night, registered his eighth hat-trick of the season as he claimed four of the goals, while another striker on a hot steak at present, Padraic Cunningham scored twice.

The home side were 3-0 up inside seven minutes as midfielder Richard Fahy headed home the opening score after just a minute of play. Manning soon added his first of the afternoon and Mervue's second and Cunningham opened his account from the penalty spot to make it 3-0.

Conn Rangers pulled a goal back through Jason Farrell after 20 minutes but Cunningham restored the home side's three goal lead on the stroke of half time with a good finish to leave it 4-1 at the break.

Manning then went on to add three further second half strikes in a fifteen minute period from the 63rd minutes. The first was a brilliantly taken free-kick into the top corner which was followed by a close range finish and then another smashing finish after an excellent ball from Moise Assogba set Manning through on goals.

The visitors were awarded a penalty with four minutes remaining and left back Johnny Breslin converted to leave it 7-2 at the finish.

Justin Neary and Colin Nolan's side will now look to retain the provincal title for a third season in a row for the club and will face Castlebar Celtic in the final in Milebush on the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Mervue Utd: James Healy, Moise Assogba, John Rattigan, Padraig Keane, Matty Flynn; Eoghan Walsh (Paul Healy 53), Aaron McDonagh, Richard Fahy, Luke Tully; Padraic Cunningham (Dillon Murphy 59), Ryan Manning (Chris Carroll 79). Subs - Antoine O'Laoi, Nasser Latif, James Nolan and Peter Healy (GK).

Conn Rangers: Colm Reape, Max Bubiackenz, Johnny Breslin, Luke Knox, Conor Naylor; Jamie Feeney, Aaron Faughan (Darragh McHale 53), James Langan, Jason Farrell, Damien Hughes (Tony Loftus), Ryan Knox. Subs: Jamie Cawley

Referee: PJ Norman