Salthill Devon U-14’s returned almost to full strength yesterday afternoon with the exception of long term injury of recent Player’s Player of the year Sean Lally. Irish Cup journeys to the capital are never easy and with this in mind the training intensity was stepped up in earnest in the week gone by. The squad in full deserve recognition for their commitment and desire over the last week and their 1st half performance was evident of same.

Shane Garvey was captain for the day mainly down to his consistent performances thus far and once again marshalled the defence in tandem with Garbhann Malone and ably assisted in the full back slots of Diarmuid ‘Posh’ Fadden and Aaron Kane who produced his strongest performance of the season to date, a big welcome back to the spirited Chris Healy in goal who had been absent over recent months due to a niggling injury.

Whilst Shane Garvey monitored defence, Alex Byrne gave an inspirational display of natural leadership both on and off the ball and in the 1st half particularly he produced a superlative display dictating the pace of the game, leading his team mates and taking the battle to Swords, he was ably assisted by the silken skills of Conor Shaughs and Joe Gaughan in the centre of the park who at times struck the ball with such a sweet venom that caused untold damage in the opposition’s defence. Ben Murphy on the left and Dillon Murphy on the right were dangerous throughout and the lone figure of Eoghan Stenson up front caused untold pressure and worry as defenders evaded responsibility of wanting to mark the danger man.

So to the game, Devon started the game at a high tempo and had 5 corner kicks within as many minutes, and it was apparent that there was only going to be one winner. Alex Byrne domineering in the centre of the park crafted a lofty ball outright to Dillon Murphy and a stunning half volley to the bottom right corner of the net left the keeper with no chance and Devon a goal to the good 15 minutes into the contest. Devon had worked hard on their set pieces the day before and it is every manager’s dream to see the hard work come off with the 2nd goal. A superb delivery from Diarmuid Fadden enabled Garbhann Malone to break free of his marker and adjust his head to divert the ball into the bottom left corner of the net, a very brave effort with the ultimate reward. Salthill Devon’s League of Ireland manager, Emlyn Long was smiling from a far as he played a pivotal role along with Paco de Renzy the day previous.

2-0 at the break and it could have been 4 or 5 were it not for the opposition keeper. Keep the intensity up and go for the jugular was half time message and Devon started the second period as the first. A goal ruled out for off side and some squandered near misses meant the score line stayed at 2-0. Swords Celtic to their credit never wilted and battled earnestly and got their reward just after the mid way point of the second half, a half cleared ball cannoned of the back of a defender to allow the striker pull a goal back and all of a sudden it was game on, 1-2. Devon’s mental strength was to be tested and missed chances were at the back of the mind, lust prior to the goal Shane ‘Birthday Boy’ Connaughton was introduced to the right side of midfield and Conor Shaugnessy moved to right full to assist him with the knowledge of playing in more than one position.

Swords Celtic threatened once more, down the flank and a whipped in ball was turned into the net, however, the ref had blown as the ball was adjudged to have crossed the end line before it was crossed into the box. A debatable decision but Devon had earned this bit of luck and within minutes Dillon Murphy outpaced the last defender after a deft flick on from Eoghan Stenson, Murphy coolly lobed the ball over the keeper and followed his run to calmly slot the ball home to seal the win. Niall Murray replaced Murphy and immediately got himself into the game.

Eric Ohlstrom and Aaron Murtagh were togged and ready to be introduced for action but the referee blew for the final whistle. Colin Hanbury replacement utility defender and sub keeper Ciaran O’Dwyer were not required for action due to the dominance of Devon in this game but surely like the remainder of the squad will be required as the season progresses.

So as to the ‘Brooking Brief’ ala Trevor Brooking on Match of the Day in the 90’s…1st performance has set the barometer for the rest of season, that target must be achieved and maintained consistently and of course, finishing must and needs to improve. Man of the Match was Alex Byrne.

St Pats away in the last 32 and Brendan ‘Shaughs’ et al will be campaigning for a large travelling party to that game.

Salthill Devon Squad:

Chris Healy, Aaron Kane, Diarmuid Fadden, Shane Garvey (Capt), Garbhann Malone, Alex Byrne, Conor Shaughnessy, Joe Gaughan, Dillon Murphy, Eoghan Stenson, Ben Murphy, Shane Connaughton, Aaron Murtagh, Niall Murray, Eric Ohlstrom, Colin Hanbury, Ciaran O’Dwyer, Sean Lally (Inj.)