Billy bags another crucial goal as Muirhevna Mor go top of Premier Division table

NEFL Premier Division

Muirhevna Mor 2 Boyne Harps 1

Billy Smith continued his knack of scoring vital goals as Muirhevna Mor all but ended Boyne Harps' title hopes with a comeback victory.

The result moves the Blues up two places to the summit of the division; a point clear of Trim Celtic and a further three above Friday night's opponents. However, with Trim having three games in-hand, the Meath men remain the firm title favourites.

Top-spot looked far from the champions' grasp after an opening-period which saw Boyne - boosted by the presence of former Drogheda United and Shamrock Rovers player - Gavin Brennan at their heart of their play.

A lead goal for the Drogheda men eventually came and it acted as something of a trigger for Muirhevna Mor to up the ante. Striker Tiarnan Mulvenna had a half-chance to equalise before the same player saw strong penalty claims turned down, while Philip Duffy warmed the 'keeper's hands with an effort.

The Mor's leveller came just shy of half-time as Boyne's failure to properly clear a corner saw Nathan Murphy come onto the breaking ball beautifully and he fired high into the net.

Level at the interval, Boyne once again re-emerged the stronger, however, their lack of a clinical edge proved costly as Smith converted a Ben McLaughlin pass to force the Blues into a lead that they never looked like surrendering.

Muirhevna Mor: Michael Cooney; Niall Hearty, Chris Caulfield, Adrian Rafferty, Nathan Murphy; Ben McLaughlin, Colin Hoey, Philip Duffy, Billy Smith; Micky O'Kane, Tiarnan Mulvenna

Subs: Thomas McShane, Brian Begley, Paudie Hearty, Brendan Hughes, Paul Mallon