Walsh and King on the mark for Mervue

Second-half goals from Stephen Walsh and Tom King gave Mervue United the points at Fahy’s Field last night.

After a scoreless first half, the home side should have taken the lead in the 64th minute when Walsh was sent through on goal, but his poor effort missed the target.

Four minutes later Athlone had an excellent double chance to punish Walsh’s miss but substitute Mark Walsh headed against the post from point-blank range and moments later Mark Sherlock fired over with the goal gaping.

And 18 minutes from time, Walsh made amends for his earlier miss when he stroked home King’s cross.

The roles were reversed deep in injury-time when King tapped in after being set up by Walsh.

After an uneventful start, Pat Jennings was called into action five minutes from the break and had to scramble to claw away Jason Molloy’s effort which seemed destined for the top corner.

But the points deservedly went to Mervue, who soaked up all the late pressure from Athlone after taking the lead and sealed just their third win of the campaign with King’s late strike.

MERVUE UNITED: Gleeson; Casserly, Conneely, Elwood, Walsh; Kelly, Varley, King, Molloy; Hoban (Ludden, 55), Murphy.

ATHLONE TOWN: Jennings; Williamson, Rushe, McCarthy, Last; Scullion, O’Mahony, Molloy (Sherlock, h-t), Gill (Hughes, 90), Feeney (Walsh, 56); McGoldrick.

Referee: Keith Callanan (Cork).