O’Brien is on the spot to secure deserved late draw for Devon

Salthill Devon     1

Longford Town 1

Cian O’Connell at Drom

Ultimately it proved to be a satisfactory Friday evening at Drom for Salthill Devon, who not only took a point from their Airtricity League First Division clash with Longford Town, but they also made one too.

Throughout this campaign Salthill have been the unfortunate victims of cruel late goals which have cost them results and mean they are rooted to the bottom of the table, but the shoe was on the other foot here. It appeared as if Salthill would leave a fine match, in which they had contributed plenty, without a tangible reward, but Derek O’Brien, ever the skilful schemer, wasn’t reading from that particular script.

O’Brien had produced a typically industrious wing display repeatedly crafting chances with his mazy dribbling and didn’t deserve to finish on the losing side. He kept probing and in the fourth minute of stoppage time he was clipped in the area by Longford substitute Rhys Gorman. Though Longford protested, contact had been made, it was a penalty, and almost inevitably converted in ice cool fashion by O’Brien, the most influential attacking player on view.

A decent first half featured an encouraging start from Salthill, who grafted impressively, frustrating the visitors, who got most joy when they went direct. Salthill encountered some trouble when Longford dinked balls over the top, but other than that there was an admirable solidity to how John Brennan had his team set up.

Essentially it hinged on the intricate footwork of Graham Kelly, who was accomplished operating in a withdrawn role. Kelly knitted the play in a tidy manner dovetailing nicely with Mixie Harty and Willie Enubele, who were as honest as they were effective.

Elsewhere the guile and experience of O’Brien was evident as he dashed in from the left craving involvement. O’Brien made a significant contribution for Salthill, who still carried a threat even without the suspended Enda Curran.

The absence of Curran certainly deprived Salthill of subtlety and a clinical finisher, but they made themselves busy disturbing the Midlands side, who struggled initially. In the 10th minute Salthill spurned a gilt-edged opening when Colm Horgan’s clever left wing cross was met by Enubele, who was unable to supply the required touch.

Longford had opportunities with a David O’Neill snap-shot drifting wide, while Josh O’Hanlon failed to convert a Noel Haverty cross. They were warning signs for Salthill, who came within a whisker of taking a 27thminute lead.

Keith Quinn’s over-elaboration was nearly punished by Brian Geraghty, who had an effort smartly saved by Chris Bennion. Moments later Geraghty was forced off injured and that impacted Salthill’s approach slightly as they lacked physical presence up front for a spell.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.