Salthill book spot in last eight after clear-cut derby triumph

Salthill-Knocknacarra 2-13

Barna 0-8

SALTHILL-Knocknacarra kept their hopes of reaching the quarter final stage of this year’s championship alive after they saw off Barna in Pearse Stadium last Sunday. Anthony Finnerty’s side now know that a win over Tuam Stars in their final group fixture will be good enough to secure progression and they can take a good amount of confidence from their win here.

While 11 points separated the sides at the end of play, it wasn’t all plain sailing as Barna kept pace with their opponents for two thirds of the contest. It wasn’t until Barna were reduced to 14 men midway through the second half that Salthill-Knocknacarra began to pull away.

Barna were the architects of their own downfall as a lack of discipline cost them dearly. John Gately was the man to be sent off in the 45th minute after striking out at Gearóid Armstrong after a free had been awarded to Barna. His side capitulated after that and will now face into the relegation play-offs no matter the result of their next game against Annaghdown.

It had been a closely fought contest up to that with just a point or two separating the sides for the most part. Salthill-Knocknacarra were well aware they needed a result if they are to progress past the group stages in this year’s championship and they began in impressive fashion, forging into a three-point ahead after the first five minutes. Evan Wynne ventured up the field to open their account after 60 seconds before Seán Armstrong doubled Salthill-Knocknacarra’s lead with a fine effort from 40m out.

Barna came close to grabbing an early goal when good work from James Kennedy and Conor Curran saw Brian Conneely in possession in front of goal but Gearóid Armstrong got back to make a crucial last minute tackle. Andrew Butler then extended Salthill-Knocknacarra’s advantage to three points.

Barna were still playing some decent stuff early on and eventually made that show on the scoreboard. Conor Curran got them off the mark in the seventh minute, though his shot looked to have drifted wide of the left-hand upright, and Jason Lyons then got another for them to leave just a point between the sides.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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