Big two set to clash in 5th Round of FAI Junior Cup

Soccer Wrap with Mike Rafferty

The draw for the last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup took place on Wednesday morning and with eight of the remaining teams from the Connacht region, there was always the possibility of a derby clash and so it transpired as Salthill Devon were the first team out of the hat and will host Mervue United in Drom on the weekend of January 16.

It will be their third meeting of the season, with Devon having won the opening contest in September, while the sides shared the spoils in their second league meeting just last weekend.

While it is disappointing that the two Galway League sides will meet at this stage of the competition, with both teams in the top four of the Premier League, there is no doubt that the game should provide a cracking contest with so much at stake.

Athenry are the remaining Galway & District League side involved and they were given a home draw against Regional United. While they would not be one of the top sides in the Limerick League, Regional United certainly are a competitive outfit who will certainly put it up to Seamie Crowe’s charges.

Ballinasloe Town are also through to the 5th Round stage and for the second game in succession the Roscommon League side have a home tie and will face Mayo Super League leaders, Ballyheane.

PREMIER DIVISION

That age-old tactic of moving the centre-half to central-forward when chasing a finishing reward is still applicable in today’s game and was very much used to Salthill Devon’s advantage at the weekend when one down to Mervue United in the closing stages of their Premier Division contest in Drom.

Jackson De Silva is a classy performer whereever he is played, but on this occasion his repositioning to the attack paid rich dividends when he displayed a fine skill set before firing home the equaliser to tie up matters with a last-minute goal in a 1-1 draw.

Scoreless at the break, an Adam Healy goal had given the visitors a late advantage before De Silva’s late rescue for the home side.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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