Glynn’s Mervue secure Tribe’s bragging rights

Pat Hoban and Etanda Nkololo fired Mervue United into the third round of the FAI Cup and ensured the derby honours rested with Johnny Glynn’s side at Eamonn Deacy Park.

After a scoreless first-half in front of just 228 spectators, Mervue United finally broke the deadlock when Hoban got his head to a pinpoint cross from Shane Keogh in the 59th minute.

And three minutes from time former Devon winger Nkololo made sure of the win with a crisp finish.

The home side had a great chance to take the lead after just four minutes, but after Ronan Conlon did well to charge down a Mervue United clearance and slip Tommy Bradshaw in on goal, the midfielder shot well wide.

Just before the half-hour Bradshaw had a great chance but was closed down by Mervue United stopper Ronan Forde.

After Hoban’s opener the home side piled forward but Tony Mannion’s side could not deny Mervue victory.

SD GALWAY: Keane; Horgan, Browne (Geraghty 69), Fadden, Greaney; McConnell (Harty 69), Bradshaw, Enubele, Conlon; Tierney, Burke (Whelan 77).

MERVUE UNITED: Forde; Casserley, Elwood, Ludden, McSweeney; Kelly (McEntee 73), Keogh (Nkololo 65), Varley (Walsh 89), Murphy; Hoban, Molloy.

Referee: Conor Fitzgerald (Galway).