Salthill crowned u-13 Cup champs with convincing display

Salthill Devon claimed this year’s u-13 B Cup with an emphatic 5 - 1 victory over Knocknacara A in Deacy Park recently.

Salthill Devon, playing with a high tempo, created a a few early chances, while Knocknacarra were well organised and posed a threat on the counterattack.

Salthill made the first breakthrough after some intricate play in midfield that resulted in Ross Maher firing home a shot just inside the 18-yard box. Later in the half, however, Knocknacarra levelled from a free kick when Joe Thompson struck the perfect kick just outside the box, leaving keeper Evan Smith with no chance.

Both sides continued to battle it out, and although Knocknacarra finished the half stronger, there was no change to the scoreline. However it was a different story after the break when Salthill Devon started to dominate proceedings.

Showing hunger and belief, they started to win the 50:50 challenges and, when in possession, they played some delightful football. The early pressure was rewarded when Marcus Burke beat two players before neatly steering home a left-footed shot.

Salthill did not let up, and hammered home their superiority with captain Jack Brown scoring a right-footed cracker from 25 yards to make it 3-1.

Although Knocknacarra tried hard to to come back, another two close-range goals from Barry sealed a decisive victory for Salthill.