Devon almost throw it away against Pats in U-19 League

Date Published: 03-Dec-2012

Young Jason Murphy cracked home a stunning winner as Salthill Devon eventually prevailed in a nine-goal thriller against St Patrick’s Athletic in the Airtricity U-19 League in Drom on Saturday afternoon and in the process the home side moved a little further away from those in the relegation area.

In the only Connacht Junior Cup tie down for decision, Medtronic set up a home contest against the holders Westport United in the third round, following an away success over Cliffoney Celtic on Sunday.

Salthill Devon 5

St Patrick’s Ath 4

This was the type of game that would drive any management crazy and the smiles on the faces of Brian Laffey and Mike Quirke afterwards were more of relief than satisfaction as they eventually saw off a spirited fight back by the visitors.

Devon were two up at the break courtesy of a Conor Barry brace, before they stretched that to four on 57 minutes and even the failure of Barry to strengthen that advantage when missing a simple tap-in seemed insignificant as they strolled through the game.

However, the concession of three soft goals in an 11-minute spell ensured a nervous finale and they were also grateful to a Sean O’Boyle goal-line clearance to keep them ahead in a frantic finale.

When Murphy collected an O’Boyle pass 30 yards out and let fly a cracker that made it 5-3 deep in additional time, the pressure should have been off them, but not with this team, as the concession of a fourth goal, direct from a free kick on half-way, maintained the tension until the final long whistle.

Devon made the breakthrough on 22 minutes when Andrew Peters released Dan Duggan down the left and from his pin-point delivery, Barry got the first touch to guide the opener past Nathan Murphy.

The same duo created another chance for the Portumna lad moments later, but he failed to hit the target from close range.

Barry quickly put that failing behind him when he made it 2-0 with a header after 37 minutes, with Duggan again the provider.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.