Goals in either half from Tommy Walsh and Barry Moran secured a tenth Premier Division win as Gary O'Connor and Ger McGrath's side defeated third placed St Bernards 2-1 to claim all three points at Fahy's Field on Thursday evening.

The home side had to come from behind as the visitors took an early 17th minute lead when Mattie Finn got through and produced an excellent lob over the stranded Brian O'Donoghue for 1-0.

It was almost 2-0 on 23 minutes but O'Donoghue produced a wonderful flying save from Mattie Finn's free-kick with centre half Darren Finn heading the loose ball into the unguarded net but from an offside position as referee PJ Norman ruled it out.

Barry Moran missed a great chance to level matters but he delayed his shot and allowed St Bernards keeper Kevin Ruane block his effort on the half hour mark but two minutes later and Moran made no mistake with the equaliser and two goals were enough to secure an important three points.

Simon Walsh played a lovely ball through for Moran to run onto and the striker blasted an excellent finish past a static Ruane to send the sides in level at the break.

Mike Tierney had a shot blocked by the combination of Rob Connolly and Darvin Dowling as he threatened after the break, while Simon Walsh missed a great chance to put Mervue in front at the other end heading sub Seamie Crowe's brilliant freekick delivery just wide of Ruane's far post.

But the home side finally hit the front with 15 minutes remaining when Shane Keogh's free-kick deflected of the wall into the path of Tommy Walsh and he headed the ball to the net for 2-1.

Mervue's Alan O'Donovan should have added a third with five minutes left when Derek McWalter sent him through and with just Ruane to beat he fired straight at the visitors keeper as the chance was not taken but it didn't matter as Bernards never threatened a second goal in that final quarter.

The win sees Gary O'Connor and Ger McGrath's side move ten points clear of second placed Hibernians, who do have two games in hand, and could close that gap back to four points with the sides yet to meet in Bohermore in May also.

Next up though is another home game with Corrib Rangers the visitors to Fahy's Field this Sunday morning (11 am kick-off).

Mervue Utd; Brian O'Donoghue; Darvin Dowling, Shane Keogh, Tommy Walsh, Robert Connolly; Alex Lee (Dan Tuck 46), Derek McWalter, Simon Walsh, Alan O'Donovan; Barry Moran (Dara Ryan 70), Stephen Larkin (Seamie Crowe 60).

 

St Bernards; Kevin Ruane, Daryl Finn, Tom Forde, Brian Collins, Darren Finn; Gary Delaney, Jonathan Keane, Mattie Finn, Jason Finn; Eoghan Roache, Mike Tierney. Subs; JP Keary, Adrian Roache, Dwayne Finn.

Referee; PJ Norman