On a cold wet and windy Sunday afternoon (11th Nov) the Devon lads good run in the SFAI Sketchers Cup came to an end. Using the advantage of a very strong wind in first half the Westport lads penned the Devon lads back in their own half and launched wave after wave of attacks from their strong and physical mid-field. This pressure quickly paid off and only after five minutes were one up, a defensive mix up which resulted in a ball crossed into the edge of the six yard box only for the centre forward to drill a strong shot to the back of the net. After fifteen minutes the Devon lads were two down when an own goal header was conceded while defending from a corner. Things would only get worse for the Devon lads loosing Pierce Greally in first half and Bright O’Brodricks and Robert Madden in the second half with leg injuries. Despite a late rally by the home side in last ten minutes Westport ran out a well-deserved two nil victory. Westport will be a formidable team for whoever meets them in the next round. They play a fast and well organized brand of football with big physical players throughout their team. We can only wish them well in the rest of the competition. Strong performances for the home side on the day were Milo O’Malley and Dylan Darcy Devine in first half and Fionn Silke and Charlie Quinn who were introduced late in second half, both who created some good goal chances. Man of the match for the home side was Lee O’Sullivan in goals who pulled off a string of saves both in first and second half and did exceptional well to only concede one goal from open play.
Credit also to Martin Connelly the referee who did an excellent job and was fair to both sides. Well done Martin.
The omens for the home team prior to the game were not good and in the last couple of weeks the squad lost three key players to various injuries, the most recent was Jamie Greaney who picked up a nasty injury last week and was a huge blow to the starting line- up. His teammates, coaches and all within the club send their best regards to Jamie and wish him a fast and speedy recovery.
P.S. Thanks to all parents who brought sandwiches and refreshments for after the match, special thanks to mums Helen, Lisa, Niki and Anne Marie who served teas/coffees and also helped with the clean-up. Much appreciated