Mervue Utd's Under 12 team advanced to the Connacht Cup final after goals from Ryan Corcoran, Aaron Neary and Charlie Phillipe ensured a passage to the provincial final under lights at Fahy's Field on Friday night. 

In a very open first half the home side took the lead in the 20th minute when some wonderful skill from midfielder Ryan Corcoran saw him beat at least three Craughwell defenders with some excellent footwork before curling an effort around the visiting keeper, Ben Keane, into the far corner for 1-0.

That strike was enough for a 1-0 interval lead as the home side looked pretty comfortable at the back With Ben Molloy, James McDonnell, Kristian Flaherty and Lewis Waweru on top of their game as they gave goalkeeper, David Gavriliak, great cover.

The lead was doubled midway through the second half as Josh Buckley played a brilliant defence spiliting pass through the heart of the Craughwell back four for sub Aaron Neary to run onto and while he looked to have plenty of space to run into, he didn't hesitate in striking a smashing effort into the top corner from 25 yards after taking just one touch.

The game was wrapped up on the stroke of full time when Dylan Wall's cross into the box found the unmarked Charlie Phillipe at the back post and he made no mistake with another excellent finish for 3-0.

An excellent all round team performance from the home side but special mention must go to the defence who have not conceded a goal in their last seven games and never really looked like conceding once again on Friday night.

Malcolm Molloy and Pat Buckley's young side will now face Mayo side, Kiltimagh-Knock Utd in the provincial decider in May after they defeated Maree/Oranmore 2-1 in the other semi-final on Saturday afternoon.

Mervue Utd: David Gavriliak (Conor O'Brien), James McDonnell (Aaron Neary), Ben Molloy, Lewis Waweru (capt), Kristian Flaherty; Estavo Charlie Phillipe (Eoin Dunleavy), Josh Buckley (Eston Laza), Cian Gillespie, Ryan Corcoran; Joey Cosgrove, Dylan Wall.

Craughwell Utd: Ben Keane; Cian Garman, Kevin Molloy, Sean Connaughton, Ciaran Connaughton; Darragh Connaughton (Jack Walsh), Conor Geoghrgan (Brandon Morgan), Alex Evans, Alex Boyle; Ryan Gallagher, Finbarr McFadden.

Referee: Ger Cahill