Mervue United’s u-13s have advanced to the semi-finals of the SFAI Troy Cup after a 1- 0 victory over North Dublin Schoolboys League side, Woodlawn/Sportslink, at the Oscar Traynor Centre in Coolock.
Mervue United, the only non Dublin club left in the competition, now faces another away trip to Dublin to face St Kevin’s Boys who beat Cherry Orchard 1-0. Malahide Utd will play Shelbourne FC in the other semi-final in two weeks’ time.
Inspirational midfielder Conor Melody found the target once again, having scored in the previous round also to knock out Gorey Rangers, as his goal sent his side through to the National semi-final.
In a close opening half with two evenly-matched sides, Mervue struck for what turned out to be the only goal of the game five minutes before the break.
Melody picked up the ball in the Dublin side’s half before embarking on a run that took him past three home defenders before striking a fine effort from inside the box past the home keeper and into the bottom corner.
Melody could have doubled that lead just after the break as he found himself with just the keeper to beat once again, but his effort was saved, while Shane Moran also found himself in a one-on-one with the Woodlawn keeper.
Despite some late pressure from the home side, Mervue’s defence of Daniel Barry, Owen Higgins, Bobby Keane and Shane Gillespie held firm as keeper Dylan Maloney received good cover from his back four.
Melody led by example and he was ably assisted by Conor Maloney, Pat McLoughlin and Robert Carroll. Shane Moran and Conor McGrath were lively up front throughout.
Mervue Utd: Dylan Maloney, Daniel Barry, Owen Higgins, Bobby Keane and Shane Gillespie, Conor Melody, Conor Maloney, Pat McLoughlin, Robert Carroll, Shane Moran and Conor McGrath. Subs, Robert Spelman for McGrath, Aiden Coyle for McLoughlin, Gavin Hegarty for Conor Maloney.
