Devon fail to derail City's push for promotion

Salthill Devon 0

Cork City 4

JASON BYRNE

When you are at the bottom of the table, nothing seems to go your way. This feeling was shared by Salthill Devon manager Paul McGee and his players as they succumbed to a heavy defeat at the hands of Cork City at Drom on Saturday evening.

Despite the heavy rain and icy breeze, a brave band of 100 or so Cork City supporters made the journey north to see their side go top of the table as they edge closer to a return to the top flight.

As the weather took control of proceedings, both sides struggled early on to find decent rhythm or spells of possession.

After 20 minutes however, McGee and his management team were infuriated by a refereeing decision that saw the Rebels take the lead. Cian Fadden was harshly penalised and booked for a challenge on former Devon winger Daryl Horgan, who had a great battle with his younger brother Colm, who was playing at right-back for Devon.

As Danny Murphy floated in the free, Vinny Sullivan did well to control the ball under pressure and he squared for his strike partner Graham Cummins who hooked it past Adrian Faherty to put Tommy Dunne’s men in front.

Just three minutes later, City almost doubled their lead when Shane Duggan was released by Horgan and his low drive was well saved by Faherty.

A gruelling midfield battle ensued, as stoppages featured heavily and often unnecessarily due to the whistle of James McKell.

Similarly to the first goal, McGee was left reeling on the line again when a dubious free-kick was awarded Cork’s way – this time Luke McConnell was judged to be the guilty party and went into the book for a tackle on Shane Duggan.

Up stepped Gearoid Morrissey, and his kick ended up in the back of the net thanks to a fortunate deflection via Salthill’s wall.

On the stroke of half time, the game was all but over as a high ball forward from Cork centre-half Greg O’Halloran caused panic in Salthill’s defence. Paddy Quinlan’s attempted headed clearance bounced awkwardly for Fadden, who failed to get enough pace on the ball when trying to head back to Faherty, and Sullivan zipped in to fire into the bottom corner to seal all three points.

To Devon’s credit, they battled hard in the second half aided by the powerful wind. As Cork seemed content to play a passing game keeping possession, they were almost punished for a dip in concentration as Brian Gaffney broke on the left flank for Devon.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.