Struggling Salthill and Mervue still seeking first wins

Date Published: {J}

STEPHEN GLENNON

SALTHILL Devon will look to pick up their first Airtricity First Division victory when they host Longford Town at Drom this Saturday evening (7pm).

Devon were cruelly denied a point away to Cork City Foras Co-op on Tuesday, with substitute Davin O’Neill netting late to secure all three points for the Leesiders.

In truth, Cork City were the better side on the evening, creating a plethora of chances. However, Salthill goalkeeper and man of the match Ronan Forde proved to be in top form, denying the victors time and again.

For their part, Salthill could have stoleN the win with just 15 minutes left on the clock, as Irish U-18 schoolboys international Daryl Horgan unleashed a piledriver of an effort, which was forced around the post by opposition keeper Mark McNulty.

Consequently, the Galway outfit were left to rue what might have been as O’Neill got onto a Dave Rogers delivery to net the 80th minute winner for Cork City Foras Co-op.

That said, manager Mike Quirke and head coach Emlyn Long will be encouraged by their charges response to the 7-0 drubbing they received to league leaders Derry City five days previous. It was Devon’s worst defeat in their debut season at this level, having previously suffered a 6-0 thrashing to Monaghan United earlier in their campaign.

However, given Longford Town – defeated at home by fellow strugglers Wexford Youths earlier in the week – only lie two places above Salthill in the First Division, they should have no fear of this weekend’s opposition. Indeed, with 10 games behind them now, Devon should be targeting this tie to secure their first win.

For more, read this week's Galway City Tribune.