Devon’s lack of cutting edge is costly against Midlanders

Date Published: {J}

Salthill Devon 1

Athlone Town 3

A disappointing result for the home side at Drom on Saturday evening and one they would have targeted for points in Salthill Devon’s ongoing battle to avoid the play-offs.

They went into the game without two of their first choice back four, with Paddy Quinlann and Brian Geraghty serving one match bans for accumulated yellow cards.

Although Salthill Devon dominated the opening 20 minutes, they had to survive a real scare after just two minutes when ‘stand in’ keeper Ronan Burke saved a penalty. However, they looked comfortable enough, but lack the penetration to turn the possession into goals.

Athlone took the lead after 31 minutes through centre back Paul Danaher and they finished the half the stronger buoyed by taking the lead against the run of play.

Salthill Devon had Robert Porter back in midfield after a six month lay-off through injury, while Cian Fadden and Bran Gaffney also featured after their summer sojourns in the US. Porter’s influence will be vital for the remaining weeks of the season.

The home side started the second period more or less as they had the first and got back on level terms after 50 minutes when Ronan Conlon took advantage of some sloppy defending to slot the ball past Michael Slingermann between the Athlone posts.

Unfortunately, Salthill’s relief was short-lived as just six minutes later striker Garry Higgins restored the visitors’ lead as Paul McGee’s men lost focus. In the final quarter, Athlone wrapped up the points when Tommy Barrett slotted home a penalty.

Although enjoying the lion’s share of possession, the home side did not have cutting edge up front and never really looked like getting the goals required.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.