Shootout delight as Salthill Devon claim U-16 girls' Connacht Cup

Salthill Devon 2Castlebar Town 2

(AET Salthill Devon win 5-4 on penalties)

Salthill Devon U-16 Girls made history on Saturday last in Milebush Castlebar winning the inaugural Connacht U16 Cup after a pulsating encounter which included extra time and a penalty shootout.

Salthill Devon, the more experienced outfit, started brighter and Castlebar were finding it hard to cope with their quick passing style of play. On 15 minutes, Irish international Eleanor Stafford hit the crossbar with a fine header following a Devon corner kick. Five minutes later the breakthrough came Roisin Jacob scoring a sublime volleyed goal from 30 yards which would have graced any game.  

Salthill were now well on top with Aoife Walsh, Kerrie Flaherty, Ciara Lynagh, Katie Carter and Jacob all prominent. The Seasiders went in at half time leading 1-0, and a glorious move on the resumption involving Shauna Fox, Evie Lowndes, Kelly Dunleavy and Jacob saw the latter set up Stafford for a glorious finish and a 2-0 lead.

Devon’ss joy was short lived as Bethany Duffy brought the score back to 2-1 with a well-placed header from a corner kick. Salthill now pressed for a third goal with Cadhla Gillen threatening on a couple of occasions. With 10 minutes to go they were caught on the counter attack with Castlebar’s captain Chloe Morley netting the equaliser.

Neither side could find a winner in extra time and the tie was decided after a tense penalty shoot out - goalkeeper Saoirse Burke proving the hero with a great save from the fourth Castlebar spot kick.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.