David McGrath, Hibs and Trevor Crotty, Dungarvan at close quarters
Hibernians 1; Dungarvan United 1
Dungarvan United remain bottom of the Premier League following this dramatic match played in Mitchell Kennedy Park last week. It left them three points behind Johnville with a total of 13 points but really they should have two extra points but they got caught five minutes into time added-on when they conceded an equaliser.
Hibs have now moved on to 18 points and one more should see them safe. They had a chance to take the lead on the half-hour mark when a long throw-in by Stephen McGrath was met by David Kennedy but after controlling the ball he fired over the crossbar.
On the stroke of half-time Dungarvan’s Nicky Donnelly picked out Shane Kelly with a corner kick. Kelly got his head to the ball but Darren Power in the Hibs’ goal stopped the ball with his chest. Brendan O’Brien returned the ball towards the goal with his head only for Dayne Ormond to take the ball off the line.
With 20 minutes remaining Richie Murphy went close for the home side with a curling effort from 25 yards and shortly afterwards David McGrath squandered a great chance after Ormond had picked him out in front of goal.
More Hibs’ pressure followed and Joey Phelan headed wide after meeting a cross from David Kennedy. Dungarvan United withdrew Trevor Crotty after 75 minutes and brought on the former Bolton striker David Sheridan.
It looked as if the Old Borough manager had pulled off a master stroke because with only two minutes left of normal time Sheridan found the net from 25 yards with a low crisp drive.
However, deep into injury time David McGrath broke Dungarvan hearts when he swept the ball into the visitors net after goalkeeper Alan Landers, surrounded by Hibs’ shirts, could only palm away a David Kennedy corner kick from the right.
Dungarvan have two games left to play, at home to Bohemians and away to St Saviours. If they win both their final tally would be 19 points. Johnville have played one game less and that could be a major factor during the coming weeks.
