Salthill Devon U-14's came into their 2nd league game with a level of confidence after a flattering opening result at home to Tuam Celtic. Hibs would provide a test of differing sorts.Devon would have to prepare without their U-13 dual squad players, Conor Shaughnessy and Shane Connaughton respectively.

Devon started brightly and found the 5-4-1 formation of Hibs formidable and it was apparent that the wide players for Devon, Sean Lally and Ben Murphy were the key to unlock the Hibs rearguard. Devon were more formadable down the right wing and created opportunities for the strikers of Eoghan Stenson and Eamonn Brannigan but all too often in the first half, their first touch and composure were lacking the killer instinct when it counted.

Just on half time, the domineering presence of Alex Byrne in the middle of the park struck a wonderful strike and the Hibs keeper to be fair turned the shot onto the post and the in rushing Eoghan Stenson was on hand to finish. The referee ruled the goal out for offside which was the major talking point at the break.

Devon resumed the 2nd period and in the opening minutes Joe Gaughan went on a mazy run through the heart of the Hibs defence and crossed the ball to the back post and Sean Lally was only able to steer the ball over the bar. Sean Lally was replaced by Dillon Murphy who made his competitive debut and he came very close with a free kick just skimming the post, Alex Byrne went close again hitting both the upright and the bar and more composure from Eogha Stenson on a rebound should have secured the victory. It became apparent that the Devon lads had left their goalscoring boots at home on this game and the Hibs rearguard and in particular their keeper deserve acknowledgement for gutsy performance.

Similar to last season, Devon have dropped two crucual points early on and the mindset, and game preparation needs to improve if they intend to mount a serious defence of their title defence.