Mervue United 1 - 1 Irish Schools XI

Johnny Glynn's Airtricity League side played out a 1-1 draw in tonight's opening friendly game of the new season at Fahy's Field as Mervue players scored both goals.

After a scoreless opening half Mervue under 19 player Dillon Murphy put the home side in front on 72 minutes as he beat the Irish keeper and former Mervue player Conor O'Malley after running onto a Oscar Sibanda pass.

The Irish side levelled matters seven minutes from time when another Mervue Under 19 Ryan Manning, playing for the schools side, raced through the middle onto a Rory Keating ball to smash the ball past Mervue trialist keeeper Tomaz Vidergar. Vidergar had earlier made an excellent stop at his near post from Anto McAlevey.

Ironically both scorers had hit hat-tricks for Mervue's Under 18 side in the FAI Youth Cup win yesterday afternoon.

Mervue Utd (1st Half) : Tomaz Vidergar, Andy Higgins, Mark Ludden, Mike Elwood, Stephen Walsh; Tom King, Noel Varley, Gary Kelly, Shane Keogh; Jason molloy, Jean Biansumba.
 
Mervue Utd (2nd Half); Tomaz Vidergar, Matt Danagher, Andy Higgins, Niall Corbett, Kenny Farrell; Brian Connolly, Oscar Sibanda, Evan Browne, Dillon Murphy; Jamie Fallon, Mike Collins.

Irish Schools XI; Conor O'Malley, Conor Barry, Killian Cantwell, Alex Byrnes, James McGrath (Daire McDaid 43 mins) ; Jake Dykes, Alan Browne (Ryan Manning 34 mins), Dylan Cashin, Kynan Rocks; Rory Keating, Anto McAlevey (James McGrath 75 mins).

Referee: John McLaughlin (Athlone).