Salthill Devon advanced to the Connaught Cup semi final with a comfortable 4 - 0 victory over Willow Park of Athlone on Saturday afternoon. Two goals apiece from Dillon Murphy and Eoghan Stenson were the difference between the two sides. In comparison to Devon's league game on Thursday night, this was an altogether different performance with clinical finishing and some top quality football that appealed to the eye.

Devon Started in a 4-2-3-1 formation and it had the desired effect. They attacked from the off and had three consecutive corners with chances to score on the first two but Eoghan Stenson made no mistake on the third corner as he rose highest to head home a Joe Gaughan in swinger. Devon deserved the lead and went about creating opportunities to extend it. Dillon Murphy who is in outstanding form was a constant threat down the right flank as his pace and strength accompanied with the craft and guile of Joe Gaughan and Conor Shaughnessy managed to unlock the Willow Park defense at will. Willow Park to their credit continued to play ball and were a threat when they counter attacked. They managed to penetrate the Devon rearguard but were denied by Chris Healy in goal who produced his most impressive performance of the season. Indeed it is now 5 hours since the game and such was his form, it would not be a surprise if nothing had been put past him at this point.

Niall Murray has revelled in hid defensive midfield role and he along with Joe Gaughan impressed by continuing to win the loose ball and therby enabling Devon to turn defence into attack. Aaron Kane at right back was captain for the day and he too was significantly involved in all things positive. By half time, Chris Healy had made 2 super saves, Devon had played all the football and were slightly agrieved not to have a more substantive scoreline to reflect their dominance.

More of the same was the request from Management and clinical finishing. Moments after the restart, Shane Garvey took a free kick from an offside deep in his own half and he delicately picked out Dillon Murphy's run with the perfect ball and to his credit Murphy was the coolest man in Drom as he expertly lobbed the ball over the on rushing keeper to make it 2-0. Murphy made it 3-0 shortly afterwards to bring his goal tally to 20 in his maiden season for Devon, his decision to want to join Devon has proved a mutually beneficial acquisition. Dillon Murphy and Aaron Kane who both were subjects of heavy tackling were replaced by Sean Lally and Colin Hanbury respectively. The major talking point of the game ensued at this point, when a Willow Park midfielder was red carded not for a heavy tackle but it appears for a comment made to the referee, a pity as the game had been played in the spirit of football that we all encourage. Moments before this, Willow Park were attacking when a player was fouled and an advantage was played but when attention was brought to the player, he was unable to continue due to the knock. It appeared his team mate took homage to this and made his feelings known to the ref.

Moments later, Devon played some great football with Joe Gaughan picking the clinical pass and releasing Eoghan Stenson who with his first touch expertly passed the ball around the keeper with the deftest of touches to make it 4-0. Owen Thornton replaced Ben Murphy for his debut with the A squad, he has been in impressive from for John Colleran's and Michael O'Kane's 14b's and he put in a steady workman like performance. Eric Ohlstrom replaced Conor Shaughnessy in attack and was unlucky on 2 occasions not to get in for a chance on goal.

All in all it was the most complete performance for the team in their last 4 outings, which is impressive considering that Alex Byrne Injured, Shane Connaughton and Aaron Murtagh were all absent today.

Back to scene where we won the league last season, Connaught Cup semi final away to Corrib Celtic this Thursday at 7pm in Annaghdown. This may possibly be the first game this season when Messrs Gavin and De Renzy have a full squad to choose from.

Devon Squad: Chris Healy, Aaron Kane, Diarmuid Fadden, Shane Garvey, Garbhann Malone, Joe Gaughan, Niall Murray, Conor Shaughnessy, Dillon Murphy, Eoghan Stenson, Ben Murphy. Subs: Eric Ohlstrom, Colin Hanbury, Sean Lally, Owen Thornton.