Devon head to south-east for North End test in cup

Soccer Wrap with Mike Rafferty

Visits to the latter stages of the FAI Junior Cup are rare treats for Galway League sides, but Salthill Devon head to Wexford on Sunday for a 2pm kickoff against North End United with a place in the last four of the competition at stake.

While Devon reached the semi-finals under Stevie Haynes in 2007 before losing out to Killester United, their hosts on Sunday have had a much more impressive pedigree in recent years. They were winners in 2018 when they defeated Pike Rovers on penalties in the Aviva Stadium after the sides had finished at 1-1 following extra time, while they have also advanced to the last four and last eight consistently over the years.

Whatever about North End’s quality and abilities, Salthill Devon have set the highest marker in the competition this season with an away win over the holders Fairview Rangers in the last round. It might have taken penalties to secure their passage after the sides shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, but it did not take away from the achievement. Mind you, the same scenario existed as North End saw off Ennis side Avenue United on spot kicks after they also shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.

Under the management of Victor Collins and Keith O’Shaughnessy, Salthill Devon have been on an upward curve in recent years. Competitive in the local league and winners of the Connacht Junior Cup for the first time ever last year, they are back in the last four of that competition and will face old foes Athenry on April 24, while they also top the Premier Division table.

The side were in action last weekend against St Bernard’s and emerged 2-0 winners, and speaking to City Sport this week, O’Shaughnessy confirmed that the league title is very much their aim.

“We played a full side out in Abbeyknockmoy last Sunday and the thought of resting players did not register with us. We are not taking any chances with dropping points, as we have not won that title in a long time. Every game is competitive, and we aim to be challenging for honours at the season end,” he said.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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