Mervue suffered a heartbreaking promotion play-off penalty loss to Longford Town at City Calling Stadium on Friday night.
In a truly dramatic encounter Mervue took an early lead courtesy of a seventh minute Jason Molloy goal. That impressive Molloy strike gave Mervue a two goal aggregate cushion before Tony Cousins' midlanders' responded as Daniel Purdy and David O'Sullivan netted.
Mervue's cause was hindered by the dismissal of exciting teenager Ryan Manning and Longford eventually made their numerical superiority count even though extra time was necessary.
Longford went ahead themselves in the 102nd minute when the prolific O'Sullivan pounced again, but in the dying seconds Mervue forced an equaliser as Paul Sinnott forced a shoot-out.
But converting penalties has been an issue that has bothered Mervue this campaign and they were soundly beaten as O'Sullivan, Derek O'Brien, and Ryan Connolly also scored for the hosts. Unfortunately for Mervue they were unable to score from the spot and their smashing winning streak was ended in harrowing fashion.
The spirited manner in which Mervue ended the year under Glynn, claiming seven victories on the trot, augurs well for the development of the game in the west.
