Salthill Devon’s U13A’s welcomed Maree/Oranmore to Drom on Thursday night in the GFA U13 Premier League. With three other games going on simultaneously the scene was set with perfect match conditions, supreme pitches, a real carnival atmosphere, and bumper crowds on all pitches. To top that off the U13 boys put on a master display of quick attacking football played against a spirited and determined Oranmore side.
From the off, the Seagull boy’s dominated the possession and launched numerous quick fire attacks down the flanks. On more than one occasion the opposing keeper was forced to make a number of saves. One notable attempt on goal saw Charlie Quinn hit a thundering shot which hit the top cross bar and amazingly landed on the line but was scrambled away by Oranmore. Half way into the first half the local lads eventually got their just reward and a well worked move up the left wing saw Milo O’Malley deliver a peach of a cross which was met by Dillon D’Arcy Devine who excellently headed to the net. The second half continued where the first half had finished and the local lads continued to drive at their opposition. Eventually, the Oranmore lads started to show signs of tiredness and the cracks began to show, leading to a free kick on edge of the 18 yard box when Charlie Quinn was dragged down. From the subsequent free kick Darren Darcy delivered a super ball which was met on the rebound by Piotrek Syzmanska for Salthill’s second. Shortly after, the icing was put on the cake when Dillon D’Arcy Devine was awarded a penalty which was superbly tucked away in the top corner by Darren D’Arcy. Another positive note on the night saw the full squad interchange with no reduction in the team’s cohesion or effectiveness. While the attack and midfield maintained a high tempo and intensity, the back five were comfortable and compact. Credit must go to two managers Mike Murray and Greg Quinn for getting their tactics spot on the night.
On the previous Thursday night’s game against CCFC the scorers on the night were Piotrek Syzmanska with a header, Darren D’arcy from a free kick and a delightful long range chip by Daniel Hoare.
This concludes the U13A’s impressive trilogy of games over the last forth night following up their away win over Knocknacarra FC with two home three nil wins against Cregmore/Claregalway FC and Oranmore FC respectively. This tight and spirited squad have now scored 40 goals in their eleven matches with three games still remaining in this year’s campaign.
