Clinical Devon put their title credentials on show

Salthill Devon 4

Tuam LTIC 0

The gulf in class between the top and lower region of the Premier Division was very apparent in Drom on Friday night as two goals in each half allowed the table toppers to see off a visiting side who tried to do all the right things, but were just not operating at the same level as their hosts.

For a few seasons Devon have being building under the stewardship of Victor Collins and Keith Shaughnessy with some experienced performers like Timmy Molloy, Vinny Faherty, Jackson De Silva and Mikie Fox.

However, some fresh faces like Rory Brennan, Tommy McClean and Calym Crowe have added ot the talent pool and as matters stand, they look like the only side really capable of offering a challenge to defending champions Athenry.

In contrast, newly promoted Celtic are finding the top-flight a difficult challenge. Two wins from 10 games confirm that, but they are in good company in the bottom half of the table as the area is well populated by teams all trying to avoid the drop back down a division.

The opening months of the season saw them struggle to field at full-strength, but with numbers coming back, a stronger challenge would be anticipated. They do have problems at both ends of the pitch, for as well as being one of the lowest scorers in the league, they are also high in the stats for concessions as well.

The good news is that they won't meet a side like Salthill Devon on a weekly basis and they are certainly capable of being a match for those around them. They certainly had opportunities in this game, but Ben O’Connell was denied by a smart Arek Mamala save in the opening half, and Gavin Connell fired the rebound into the side netting.

Graham Fallon, Colin Quinn and Gavin Connell later all threatened a breakthrough on different occasions, but they struggled to breakdown a strong Devon defence.

At the other end, matters were much easier for a more clinical home side, as Mick Lee set up Rory Brennan for the opener, before Aaron Conway fired home to give them a 2-0 interval advantage.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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