Devlin wants more from in the first 45 minutes

Cabinteely lost a third game in four matches at Belfield on Friday. The 3-1 defeat to UCD leaves the Kilbogget Park men eighth in the SSE Airtricity League First Division, and manager Pat Devlin tells our reporter Peter Branigan that they need to get into games more quickly.

"We don't seem to be playing well in the first-half, for whatever reason, and that's been the case in other games against Wexford and Cobh.

"We were very soft in the first-half. We weren't at the races at all, and were only just about in it at the break. But in fairness to the lads, I thought we were much better thereafter."

Devlin has plenty of experience in the League, and he won't be panicking just yet. They've already played both Galway and UCD, two of the early favourites for the title, but the Cabo manager says the team need to start picking up results.

"There's no reason why we can't go on a run, and get right back into the mix. The players need to look at themselves, and honestly assess how they think they are playing.

"I'm disappointed with our start, but there's a long, long way to go. It's a tough division, you have to remember that. But our aim remains the same, and that's to finish in the top four."

Cabo finished the game with ten men after Karl Byrne was sent off. Devlin says these things tend to even themselves out over the course of a season, but that he felt luck wasn't with his side on the night.

"The sending off was harsh, although I could understand where the referee was coming from with Byrne being the last man. But the two players just tangled.

"We had a player taken out before their first goal. These things happen, and I wouldn't use it as an excuse. UCD are a very good side.

"When you're near the bottom, it can sometimes feel like everyone is against you. I know our luck will change though, and we'll bounce back, and be fine"