Fox’s hat-trick eases Devon into last 16 of FAI Junior Cup

Salthill Devon 6

Mervue United 2

The much-anticipated FAI Junior Cup fifth round tie in Drom on Sunday was all but over at the break as a Mikie Fox hat-trick left the home side three to the good, and while the visitors certainly made a contest of it on the resumption, they was always only going to be one winner.

Salthill Devon were always in command, and a fourth goal just after the restart cemented their superiority. Mervue United continued to carry the contest to the home side and clawed two goals back, while they also missed a penalty

However, like all good sides, Devon went up through the gears once more when required as they opened up a three goal margin again with a Darren Creaven finish; before Alberto Cabanyes scored his second of the game to put a more dominant look on proceedings near the end.

The recent league meeting between the sides finished level at 1-1, which possibly gave Mervue some confidence and they started the game well as they enjoyed the advantage of the slight elements.

However, before they had an opportunity to impose themselves on the game, Devon struck for the lead on just 7 minutes. The home side were missing the injured Conor Raftery, but with Aaron Conway dropping back to right-full, young Matthew Murray slotted into his position in midfield.

Murray is a very composed and talented player and had a huge influence on the game before he departed injured just after the interval. It was his cross-field pass that released Fox wide on the right and with a quick shuffle of his feet, he took a step inwards before letting fly with a cracking left footed drive past Daire Geraghty.

Space continued to be at a premium throughout and neither side was allowed time to create or threaten in the last third of the park. Timmy Molloy, Shane O’Rourke, Matthew Murray, and Lucas de Paula for the home side and Gary Bailey, Jonathan Hannafin and Luke Deacy for Mervue were all competing in the same confined area.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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