Devon defeat the only major shock in Connacht Junior Cup

Salthill Devon were the only big name casualty from the weekend action in the Third Round of the Connacht Junior Cup, as they lost by 4-3 in a penalty shoot out against Second Division Loughrea.The home side lost a two goal advantage as matters finished level at 4-4 following extra time.

In contrast, West United were a top flight side who just did enough to survive a huge scare, as a Tony Ward hat-trick rescued them on three occasions after they fell behind to Knocknacarra. Matters finished level at 3-3 following extra time, with the home side prevailing 4-3 following in the penalty shootout.

Elsewhere seasoned operators like Athenry, Mervue United and Hibernians all advanced with ease.

West United 3Knocknacarra 3

(AET-West won 4-3 on pens)

In the very last piece of action of a very poor game at a bitterly cold South Park on Sunday morning, a poor error of judgement by visiting goalkeeper Jason O’Donovan allowed a Tony Ward free-kick sneak in at the butt of the post to rescue the home side for the third time in the game.

It didn’t all go Ward’s way however – while he scored one from the sport in normal time, he also missed a penalty, and also hit the post with the opening effort in the shoot-out, Barry McEntee, John Egan, Niall McDonagh and Paul Murphy were all spot on for West.

Goalkeeper Aaron Connolly made one crucial save in the penalty contest, when keeping out Lorcan Browne’s poor left footed effort, while Iarla Duignan also didn’t help the visitors cause by firing wide.

Just young Dean Lydon – who was an impressive performer throughout – Keith O’Shaughnessy and Taisce Gillespie could eventually find the net for Knocknacarra, and they will look back on this as an opportunity lost.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.