Devon advance in Troy Cup but Mervue Utd bow out of Barry Cup

It was a day of mixed fortunes for the two Galway sides in SFAI National Cup competitions on Sunday, as central defender Eoin McFadden lashed home a 40 yard punt to give Salthill Devon a 1-0 win over Wilton United in the U-13 Troy Cup and in the process qualified for a place in the last four.

However for Mervue United, it proved to be a frustrating afternoon as they went down 3-1 to St Joseph’s in their quarter final tie in the U-16 Barry Cup.

Salthill Devon 1Wilton United 0

(After extra time)

While Devon might just about have had a slight edge in ability terms, in overall terms absolutely very little separated these sides in Drom on Sunday afternoon.

The home team were certainly superior in the opening half, but apart from an early flurry of activity they never really overworked visiting custodian Aezmeck Kaluza.

Without a doubt the most abiding memory of this contest came with just two minutes remaining in extra time. Devon had upped the pace a little and after a long spell in the wilderness, were posing an attacking threat.

Then when central defender Eoin McFadden lashed at a dropping ball just inside the Wilton half, the outcome could not have been predicted as Kaluza advanced to collect, but taking a step too far he allowed the ball to go over his head and just about make it into an empty net for a dramatic winner.

Of course it prompted great celebrations in the Devon camp, but for the young custodian there was heartbreak.

It was just one of those days when a ‘fluke’ was required to win it and a place in the last four of the Troy Cup is a fitting reward for a neat little side.

The home side certainly offered the greater threat in attack and twice in the early exchanges, Christopher Horgan tested Kaluza, while just before the break the custodian kept out efforts by Liam Power and Brian Ndego.

Just after the restart a good pass by Nathan Ward released Paddy Donoghue, but a smart advance by Kaluza averted the danger.With defences dominating at both ends, chances continued to be at a premium and with extra time almost at an end, penalties look the obvious way of settling the issue. However McFadden’s first goal of the season proved to be the match winner as Devon await the semi final draw.

Last week the Referees Society were complimented on putting three officials on the Connacht Junior Cup games, but a whinge this weekend would question why an FAI U-16 quarter final is more important than an U-13 one.

The U-16 game enjoyed three officials, while Paul McGrath had to soldier on, on his own in Drom.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.