Salthill Devon out of tune as Harps hit all the right notes

Date Published: 27-Jun-2011

Salthill Devon 0

Finn Harps 4

This was a nightmare for Salthill Devon, almost from the opening whistle. Played in conditions that would not have been out of place in November, the home side were out of sorts for most of the game and show little of the combative spirit that has been evident in their games to date.

The trouble was evident as early as the seventh minute when Kevin McHugh calmly chipped Ronan Forde from just outside the box for the first of what would prove to be a hat-trick for the ace goalscorer, exposing lackadaisical defending that got worse as the game progressed.

Although playing in a staccato style, there were hints at times that Salthill might well get something from the game as Harps scarcely threatened the home goal for the remainder of the half, with the horrible weather conditions dominating.

Harps doubled their lead on 50 minutes when Forde could only parry an average shot, and midfielder Blane Curtis gladly tucked the ball into the open net.

Three minutes later Salthill were almost back in the contest when Paddy Quinlan’s header was goal bound only for Ciaran Coll to head off the line and keep Harps in command

McHugh added to his and Harps’ total just after the hour mark with simple tap in goal as the home defence got themselves in another tangle, and he completed his hat-trick eight minutes later with a simple free kick, the defensive wall and Forde combining to leave a gaping hole which the accomplished striker gladly took advantage of.

James Whelan was shown the red card five minutes later for a second bookable offence which seemed a little harsh, and he was followed to the dressing room two minutes later by assistant manager, Mike Quirke.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.