Hanover Harps 2

Parkville United 1

Hanover claimed the points in The Plots on Sunday morning but only after a man of the match display from goalkeeper Anto McGrath in the second half.

In an even opening quarter the teams traded missed chances, United’s Paul Fitzgerald and Hanover’s Eoghan Byrne with the best of them. Hanover broke the deadlock on the half hour, Colin Campion broke free and teed up Byrne, his effort was saved but Vincent Oba reacted quickest to the loose ball to put Harps 1-0 up at half time.

The second period saw Parkville press hard for an equaliser but with McGrath in mean form in the goal it proved elusive. Hanover broke upfield on the hour and won a penalty, a needless push in the back on Cathal Coughlan gave Phil Neenan the chance to double the lead from the spot and the midfielder duly obliged. Thereafter it was all United, McGrath denied Fitzgerald with his feet before diving full stretch to his left to push another Fitzgerald effort around the post when all present thought the ball was destined for the net. McGrath saved again from Tom Pollard before United eventually got a goal back with ten minutes left. Substitute Dillon Kenny saw his initial header saved by McGrath but the rebound fell nicely for him and he made no mistake the second time. The last chance of the game fell to Fitzgerald but again McGrath denied him with a super save as the hosts held on for all three points.

Best for Hanover included Simon O’Shea, Eric Dowling, Johnny Waters and man of the match Anto McGrath. Best on the day for United were Tom Pollard, Mickey English, Paul Fitzgerald and Robbie Sheridan.