Soccer Wrap with Mike Rafferty

Salthill Devon are displaying every intention that they plan to continue the high standards that they have set in recent years, and chasing a third Premier Division title in succession, they have kicked off the new campaign with back-to-back wins.

Colga have done likewise, while Mervue United and Maree/Oranmore picked up their first wins of the new season over the weekend.

In the Championship, West United are the only team on full points from their two games, with University of Galway and Moyne Villa next in line. In Division One, Bohemians remain unbeaten, but they required a late equaliser to grab a share of the spoils with Mac Dara; while newly promoted Salthill Devon B picked up their first win with a success over Cregmore/Claregalway.

PREMIER DIVISION

Salthill Devon 7

St Bernard’s 2

For a while this Premier Division contest in Drom was competitive, but once the defending champions upped the pace and turned on the style, the visitors were not able to live with them as the final outcome was clear and decisive.

An opening-minute goal set the tone as Matthew Barrett warmed up to the task with the opener, but that was quickly cancelled out by a cracking free-kick by Matty Finn to tie up matters at 1-1.

When the challenge was thrown down, the home side responded in impressive fashion as goals by Mick Lee and Princewell Diala had them 3-1 clear at the break.

Devon’s new signing, John Egan, made his debut as a half-time substitute for Arek Mamala in goal and his first duty was to pick the ball out of the back of the net after Josh Price got on the end of a right-wing cross and slotted home.

Pictured: West United’s Simon Murray gets his cross in despite the pressure from Corrib Celtic’s Stephen Moylan in South Park last weekend. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.