Mervue Utd A 1-0 East Utd (Premier Division)

The club's Junior A team moved a step closer to claiming a third Brod Trill Premier Division title in a row as they recorded a very hard earned 1-0 win over neighbours East Utd at Fahy's Field on Thursday night.

A brilliant finish from defender Eric Browne settled this game in the end but once again the home side's inability to finish off good chances and put games to bed made it a very nervous finish against an East Utd side who never gave up and could easily have levelled matters had they taken some good opportunties of their own.

The visitors started well and could have easily taken an early lead but the home side slowly got themselves into the game and took the lead with what turned out to be the only goal of the game on 36 minutes.

Aaron Finnerty's dangerous cross from the right was cleared only as far as the lurking Eric Browne just outside the box whose stunning first time shot gave Anthony Ryan no chance as the ball flew into the net.

Anthony Ryan produced an excellent save from his cousin Dara Ryan midway through the second half after he met Steve Larkin's cross from the right with a powerful header.

From the resultant corner Tommy Walsh picked out Eric Browne but his header was hacked off the line as the home side pressed for a cushion of a second goal. That should have been secured when Steve Larkin's run and shot was blocked by a East defender's hand in the box and Patsy Forde awarded a penalty.

Goalscorer Eric Browne stepped up to take the penalty but Anthony Ryan produced another excellent save to keep out the well struck effort.

East Utd pressed late as they forced a number of corners and free-kicks but Vinny O'Connor, Keith McHugh, Robert Connolly, Eric Browne and Derek McWalter all defended well to secure a vital three points.

With Corrib Rangers losing to third placed Athenry that means Gary O'Connor and Ger McGrath's side moved nine points clear at the top of the table with three games remaining.

The league title could be secured with a home win on Sunday morning when NUIG are the visitors to Fahy's Field at 11 a.m.