Salthill Devon had an impressive 4 goal victory away to Maree/Oranmore in the Connacht Sentinel U-11 Premier League on Saturday. Two goals in each half capped a fine team performance including some outstanding individual displays. Salthiill, once again, showed the strength of their squad with the absence of Dessie Conneely and Dominic Gorton, while team captain Ronan Halloran started the game on the bench.

The visitors opened the scoring after 5 minutes when good interplay between midfielder Andrei and striker Adam Murphy afforded Murphy half a chance. His shot was well saved by the home goalkeeper but strike partner Bronson Kelly was on hand to volley in the rebound. Salthill continued to press forward and the advantage was soon doubled after a precise through ball from Man-of-the-Match Kevin Cahalan left Murphy in the clear. The top scorer showed nice skill to beat the ‘keeper with a first time strike after a neat dummy tricked the goalie.

In the second half, the Seagulls resumed their dominance and created plenty of opportunities throughout the half. There was much to admire in their play as they passed the ball around admirably from back to front on the difficult surface, giving the home team little chance to pose a threat. The third goal was created on the right hand side after a great move involving centre back David Carter, right full Ross O’Connor, Cahalan and Kelly before Robert Finnerty got on the end of the move to guide the ball home with his right foot. The fourth goal was well taken by sub Paddy Donoghue after another fine passage of play by the Seasiders.

As previously mentioned, this was a fine team performance by all 15 fifteen who played which will provide manager Shane Fitzgerald with plenty to ponder ahead of the next fixture at home to Galway Hibs on Thursday evening.