Salthill Devon U-16s advanced to the last 64 of the SFAI U-16 Barrys Cup with a comprehensive victory over derby rivals Knocknacarra. Goals from Tomas Donovan (2), Liam Buckley, Colm Hughes & Eanna Thompson sealed victory for Devon in what only can be described as a comprehensive squad like display. With 16 out the 18 squad players in action, the competitive rivalry for starting berths begins to take hold and with a return of 10 goals in 2 games, the season ahead bores interesting times.
Devon went with the same starting line up who featured in their previous outing but opted for a 4-4-2 formation with Aaron McConnnell Joining Colm Hughes up front and Alistair Richards moving wide right. Devon started the game with a high tempo and went on the attack. Shane Connaughton who captained the side had received intensive physio treatment all week and whilst not 100% he got a grip on the early exchanges and in combinations with his centre midfield partner, Conor McDonnell, they along with Simon O’Reilly and Alistair Richards caused damage down the right flank. Against the run of play and with a strong wind at their back the Knocknacarra defensive cleared a long ball which split the Devon centre half pairing of Finn McLaughlin and Tomas Donovan, Brian Tarpey anticipated the trouble and correctly came rushing out to clear the danger as the opposing striker with lightening speed attempted to go by the keeper, both players collided with Devon keeper Tarpey harshly booked for the exchange but he was brave and made the right decision to come out and clear the danger. This served as a warning for Devon who upped the tempo and with a neat passing exchange involving left full Cian Morley and winger Liam Buckley who has more tricks up his sleeve than a magician.
The opening goal came straight from the training ground or tactics board. A corner from the left side was whipped in at pace and Colm Hughes got in ahead of his marker to glance the ball on for the in rushing Tomas ‘Mossy’ Donovan to meet the ball and head it into the net. A superb goal! There was a tangible confidence gained from this goal and Devon were soon 2 -0 to the good as good wing back play by simon O’Reilly released Alistair Richards down the end line and with pin point accuracy he delivered a perfect cross and Liam Buckley was on hand to head text book style to the net. Colm Hughes was causing the opposition rearguard trouble with his mazy runs, Conor Mc and Shane Connaughton were commanding the centre of the park and involved in all things good, Aaron McConnell was presenting well for the ball up front and full backs Cian Morley and Simon O’Reilly were advancing when the opportune arose.
At half time, John O’Grady replaced Cian Morley at left full & Eanna Thompson replaced Aaron McConnell in attack. The request from the management structure was to up the tempo again and go for the jugular. Devon started the second half as well as the first and man of the match Tomas Donovan was on hand to score his brace again from a corner kick routine which is paying immediate dividends. He was willing to put his head where other players would not put their boot and he got his reward with a second goal and Devon’s third. Devon wrapped the game up as a contest shortly afterwards, Rob Maher had just replaced Liam Buckley and Eamonn Ruane replaced Shane Connaughton when down the left side John O’Grady, assisted by Finn McLaughlin at centre half fed the ball to colm Hughes who using both feet meandered into the opposition area and coolly curled the ball with his left foot around the opposition keeper to make it 4-0. Ciaran O’Dwyer replaced Brian Tarpey in goals for the remaining 12 minutes of play and he was positive in making two good saves and using the ball smartly when in possession. The 5th goal involved Eamonn Ruane who received the ball from O’Reilly and played a passing move to Conor Mc who returned it to Ruane who neatly played the ball into the penalty area for Eanna Thompson who turned his defender with ease and was just lining up to strike the ball when a defender came in on his blind side and took the legs from under him, a dead cert penalty kick. Thompson got himself up and finished to the net to continue his rich vein of goal scoring form.
5-0 to Devon, a superb squad performance. Defeat away to Tuam Celtic in the opening league game is now a distant memory but into the last 32 of the SFAI Cup, Devon will travel to Tuam Celtic in what will be a definite competitive affair.
Devon Squad: Brian Tarpey, Simon O’Reilly, Cian Morley, Tomas Donovan, Finn McLaughlin, Shane Connaughton, Conor McDonnell, Alistair Richards, Colm Hughes, Aaron McConnell, Liam Buckley, Eanna Thompson, Eamonn Ruane, Cathal McDonnacha, Sompto, Rob Maher, John O’Grady & Ciaran O’Dwyer.