Salthill Devon U-11s concluded their season in memorable fashion by retaining the Kevin Power Galway Premier Cup on a glorius afternoon in Terryland Park on Saturday. Salthill overcame a spirited Colga side on a convincing 4-0 scoreline, however, the game was in the balance until the Seasiders struck their third goal with less than ten minutes left on the clock.

Salthill lined out with James Hill in goal, Dominic Gorton at right full, Shane Kelly at left full and the centre back pairing of David Carter and Dessie Conneely. Kevin Cahalan began at right midfield, Robert Finnerty at left midfield with Adam Fitzgerald and Captain Ronan Halloran in the engine room. Adam Murphy and Bronson Kelly led the line up front. Andrei Barcovschi, Ross O Connor, Paddy Biadane, David Patten, Ben Slater and Paddy Donoghue were unlucky not to start and provided evidence of the strength in depth within the squad that has enabled them to progress to the final.

Salthill took the initiative from the start of the game and were largely dominant throughout the first half without exerting too much pressure on the Colga rearguard. Salthill’s best chance of the half came after good interplay on the right hand side involving Gorton and Cahalan, with the later crossing into the danger area. Murphy controlled the ball and laid it off to Halloran who hit a first time effort from the edge of the box that sailed narrowly over the bar. Despite having a territorial advantage for most of the half, Salthill almost found themselves behind moments from the break when a long ball over the top, for once, evaded the centre backs and allowed the Colga centre forward a clear run on goal. Goalkeeper Hill, who appeared to be stuck on his goalline, raced out and expertly saved at the feet of the striker to maintain the stalemate. The game looked to be heading for a scoreless first half until left full Kelly found Finnerty wide on the left and he delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Top scorer Murphy, like any good goal poacher, reacted first and struck an excellent first time effort, from a tight angle, beyond the ‘keeper and into the corner of the net to give Devon the advantage right on half time.

Colga, as expected, came out determined to restore parity and forced a number of corners before the referee awarded them a penalty when the ball struck a Salthill hand in the box. The Colga player, aware of Hill’s prowess in goal, went for power but his well hit strike sailed agonisingly over the bar. Salthill, relieved to be ahead, took ultimate advantage when they pounced for the decisive second goal moments later. There looked to be little danger when they were awarded a free kick 30 yards from goal in the inside left position. Halloran lined up as if he was crossing to the back post, but instead decided to shoot direct on goal. The Salthill attackers and Colga defenders tried ferociously to reach the ball but it evaded everyone and was nestled in the bottom corner of the net before the goalkeeper could react, much to the delight of the Salthill contingent.

The Colga players were clearly dejected after this score, while Salthill gained in confidence and began to play more fluently. This was evident in their play for the last two goals. Strikers Kelly and Murphy played a wonderful one-two, which culminated in the former unleashing a delightful scissors kick that came back of the upright and to apparent safety. Fitzgerald latched onto the rebound, however, and delivered a sweet left footed cross to the back post for the onrushing Cahalan to volley home. The fourth goal came from another cross, this time from roaming right full Gorton, after good play from Halloran, for Murphy’s 2nd of the game and 23rd of the season. There was still time for Biadane and Slater to go close following good approach play from Patten and O Connor.

The final whistle was greeted by jubilant scenes as the players celebrated their maiden success after a long season. Kevin Power’s father and Salthill Devon stalwart, Tom Power, on behalf of the Power family presented Salthill Devon captain Ronan Halloran with the trophy and congratulated both teams on a fine sporting occasion. Colga were left to ponder on what might have been, nevertheless, they can be proud of their efforts and, no doubt, this experience will prove invaluable in their development.

The day belonged to the Salthill Boys and manager Shane Fitzgerald, drowned by his players ‘Harry Redknapp’ style during the celebrations can be proud of their progression since last August. They are developing into a formidable force and the hours spent training in Drom by Fitzgerald and Coach John ‘Jumbo’ Brennan are beginning to bear fruit.