Devon and Mervue advance to last 16 of FAI Junior Cup
Published:
-
-
Author: Mike Rafferty
~ 4 minutes read
From this week's Galway City Tribune
Soccer Wrap with Mike Rafferty
The FAI Junior Cup wins of Salthill Devon and Mervue United over the weekend were notable achievements, but were secured in contrasting fashions. For Devon their drubbing of a weak Cork side was simple and straight forward, with the outcome never in doubt.
In contrast, Mervue United travelled to Donegal to play a Letterkenny side who had beaten them a year previously in Fahy’s Field, but despite falling behind early, they recovered extremely well to take a lead into the break and then extend it on the resumption on their way to a deserved win.
The FAI Junior Cup wins of Salthill Devon and Mervue United over the weekend were notable achievements, but were secured in contrasting fashions. For Devon their drubbing of a weak Cork side was simple and straight forward, with the outcome never in doubt.
In contrast, Mervue United travelled to Donegal to play a Letterkenny side who had beaten them a year previously in Fahy’s Field, but despite falling behind early, they recovered extremely well to take a lead into the break and then extend it on the resumption on their way to a deserved win.
In Premier League action, University of Galway ended a five-match losing streak with an impressive away win over bottom side Loughrea and in the process gave themselves a little space away from the relegation zone.
In the Championship, Corrib Rangers lost for the second week in succession away against Corrib Celtic; while Knocknacarra saw off West United in a city derby.
FAI JUNIOR CUP
Salthill Devon 5
Douglas Hall 0
Pre-match word-of-mouth had pencilled this game in for a comfortable Salthill Devon success and so it turned out in Drom on Sunday afternoon. Two goals in the opening quarter gave them a worthy reward for their efforts, before a flat spell for the remainder of the half saw the pace and intensity drop.
No doubt, that was a bone of contention at half time and discussions were had. The decisive third goal arrived 90 seconds into the second-half, and thereafter the scoreline could have been anything.
They were to add two more goals as Colin Kelly and Conor Barry completed their braces, while the home side struck a post on two occasions also; while the missed chances were plentiful against a Cork side who were not remotely in Devon’s league.
A free header by Kelly on four minutes should have put the home ahead, but the side netting was its final destination. A few early set-pieces could have produced a reward, but some frantic defending by the visitors kept Devon out.
The breakthrough arrived on 14 minutes, when Marc Ludden delivered a long diagonal ball into the path of Barry down the left. The Portumna native took it in his stride, before slipping it past the advancing goalkeeper for a 1-0 advantage.
They added a second five minutes later when Barrett did all the work down the right and slipped a pass inside to Kelly. The former Mervue United striker took a touch and a turn before drilling a powerful shot past Mullins O’Keeffe for 2-0.
He was denied a second moments later when a downward header was kept out by the legs of the custodian. At the other end of the park, Devon goalkeeper Arek Mamala was asked no questions, as he routinely dealt with a few long balls and set-piece deliveries.
The game was killed off on 47 minutes when Barrett and Darren Collins combined to set up Kelly to fire home from just inside the box for 3-0. Barry fired home the fourth in the 68th minute; and Mikey Fox played Ben McDonnell through to add the fifth in the 83rd minute.
Devon played the final 16 minutes with 10 men after Darren Darcy limped off after going over on his ankle just a minute after coming on. His introduction had been Devon’s fifth substitution, but despite the numerical disadvantage, they were never threatened by the visitors.
Salthill Devon: Mamala, D Collins, Lee, O’Rourke (Scally 58), Crowe, Ludden (Arra 72), Molloy, J Collins (McDonnell 58), Barrett (Fox 58), Barry, Kelly (Darcy 73).
Douglas Hall: A Mullins O’Keeffe, Mealy, R Kelleher (Kanza 54), Hill, L Mullins O’Keeffe, Fahy, O’Donovan (inj, Malone 27), Horgan (K Kelleher 69), Nolan (O’Sullivan 76), Flanagan, Keane.
Referee: Marc Lynch.
Pictured: Salthill Devon’s Anna Conway and Brooke Corcoran of Athenry FC, battle for possession during the U-16 Premier Division clash between the sides at Drom last weekend, which Salthill Devon won 1-0. Photos: Iain McDonald.
More like this:
Social housing on a rental basis is not part of the plan as Údarás na Gaeltachta continue efforts to provide housing for Gaeltacht Irish Speakers.
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMÚdarás na Gaeltachta is continuing efforts to find me...
Michael Fitzmaurice says Storm Eowyn turned "Eamon Ryan's dream into a nightmare"
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMThe impact and devastation of Storm Eowyn turned "Eam...
Widow of rugby legend Anthony Foley to address Galway Novena on grief
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMOlive Foley, widow of rugby legend Anthony Foley is t...
Heartwarming Grandparents’ Day celebration at Craughwell National School
There were proud grandparents aplenty back in primary school for just one day, as Craughwell Nati...
Roadshow rolls into Galway to show how to upgrade energy efficiency
Local communities and construction professionals across Galway are being offered free training an...
Culture vultures flock to events across the west
Culture vultures in the west are almost twice as likely to have attended a dedicated arts festiva...
Local TD questions Taoiseach on "silence" from ESB on storm compensation
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMA local TD has questioned the Taoiseach on the "silen...
Novena crowds will flock again to Galway Cathedral
Final preparations are in place for Galway Cathedral’s 41st Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help,...
Marine Institute figures reveal impact of Storm Éowyn as it arrived off the west coast
The reality of the impact of Storm Éowyn on the west coast is graphically illustrated in statisti...