Brace of goals from Hughes and Cassidy puts outclassed Salthill Devon to sword

Salthill Devon 1

Shelbourne 2

JASON BYRNESALTHILL Devon’s clash with Wexford Youths next weekend will determine who finishes bottom of the Airtricity League First Division after a classy Shelbourne performance edged the Drumcondra side closer to a long-awaited return to the top flight.

A brace each from Philip Hughes and Dave Cassidy was enough for Alan Matthews’ men as Paul McGee was once again evidently unhappy with the performance of the officials in a cold but thankfully dry night at Drom on Saturday.

McGee was again fuming at the decision of Conor Fitzgerald to award Shels the free-kick which led to the first goal in the 12th minute. John Sullivan floated it out to Hughes on the right flank who was hugging the touchline – and he quickly squared to Cassidy whose shot was fortunately deflected in by Cian Fadden when Adrian Faherty looked certain to save.

Within ten minutes Shelbourne doubled their lead, this time Brendan McGill crossing from the right-hand side. As makeshift striker Eugene Greaney attempted to clear, he could only do so as far as the lurking Hughes who rifled home from close range.

Shelbourne’s attacking movement was astonishing at times and their half-time lead could have been at least double what it was. McGill crossed for Cassidy who headed over from close range. Within a minute, Hughes was again at the edge of the dangerz one with the ball at his feet – this time Faherty denying him with a fine save.

On the stroke of half time, Kevin Dawson was sent through by McGill leaving Devon’s defence badly exposed but again Faherty was to the rescue to keep the score at 2-0 to the visitors buoyed by around 100 supporters.

Salthill, to their credit, improved in the second-half as they moved the ball more efficiently and attacked with greatewr confidence. The first example of this came four minutes in when Brian Gaffney worked well on the left to cross for Brian Geraghty, but his header was well saved by Dean Delaney.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.