Salthill Devon U-11s came from behind to reach the final of the Kevin Power Premier Cup with victory over a gallant Galway Hibernians side at a fog drenched Bohermore. Salthill took to the field minus injured regular goalkeeper, James Hill, and with Conor Curran unavailable, defender David Patten lined out in goal.

Playing ‘Hibs in Bohermore at any time is a difficult prospect and the Devon youngsters soon realised this as the home team raced into an early lead after an impressive opening few minutes. To their credit, the Salthill lads didn’t panic and immediately upped the tempo resulting in a number of unconverted half chances. The Devon rearguard learned to cope better with the ‘Hibs frontmen, which allowed Ronan Halloran to assert himself in the middle of the park and distribute better quality balls to the wide players, Robert Finnerty and Dominic Gorton. On one such attack, Finnerty was fouled just outside the box on the left hand side five yards from the goal line. While everyone expected Halloran to deliver the ball into the box, he beat the ‘keeper with a superbly struck shot direct on goal, leaving the hapless ‘keeper with no chance. The scores were tied 1-1 at the interval.

On the restart, the visitors showed a more collective urgency and really began to trouble the ‘Hibs rearguard with Gorton, in particular, tormenting their left hand side, by beating his man and delivering quality balls into the box. The ‘Hibs defenders courageously dealt with most of these but with twenty minutes remaining, one such cross, made its way to Finnerty at the back post and he struck a sweet half volley first time into the bottom corner of the net to give the Seasiders the lead. Salthill, however, failed to add to their lead despite dominating exchanges for the remainder of the game and as a result the game was never beyond the home team. Inevitably, Salthill had to valiantly defend a number of corners in the final few minutes as ‘Hibs, buoyed on by the home crowd, searched for the equaliser to bring the game to extra time. There were a couple of anxious moments towards the end, none more so than when pivotal centre back David Carter had to retire injured with only a couple of minutes left. Salthill, however, hung on for a memorable victory that was greeted triumphantly by the travelling supporters.

Credit must go to David Patten for acquitting himself well in the unfamiliar goalkeeping position. The Seagulls had accomplished performers in the back four of Shane Kelly, Carter, Adam Fitzgerald and Dessie while Halloran, sub Paddy Biadane, Finnerty and man of the match Gorton were the creative forces behind the win.

Salthill are delighted to have reached the final and will bid to emulate previous Devon teams and keep the Kevin Power Cup in Drom for the third successive year as this cup is close to the hearts of those associated with the club.