U17 Boys Div1 Colemanstown 2 -1 East Galway 01/12/2024. Both teams started strongly on the hunt for a win in this latest league encounter with the visitors aided with the wind at their backs in the first half. 10mins into the game East won a corner following a defensive shot block, the resultant corner was swung into the box, there was some disarray & hesitancy in the clearance which the visitors capitalised on when they fired a weak clearance at goal, only to see their effort thunder off the post but they were more vigilant in following up the rebound as they placed the ball into the corner for the opener to make it 1-0. These Colemanstown squad are not ones to drop the heads when they go a goal down and continued to press, with great passing play on both the left and right sides of the pitch. Shane Quirke saw his effort deflected by a defender to win a corner which was swung into the box by Matthew Keane & skimmed the head of Nathan Mannion to go agonisingly over the line. Colemanstown’s defence were kept on their toes but were rock solid in breaking down the visitors attack. 5mins before half time, following a lovely spell of passing play on the left between Adam Doyle who covered every inch of the pitch with a great performance, Cathal Keane and Eibhear Colleran culminated in Josh Buckley getting on the ball just outside the edge of the centre circle, took one touch and sent a screamer of a shot into the top left corner leaving the keeper absolutely no chance & restore parity at 1-1. Colemanstown had the chance to extend the scoreline following a lovely run down the right wing by Ryan Gavin at breakneck speed; he sent a brilliant cross into the box to find the head of Eibhear Colleran but the ball went just to the left of the post, leaving the score 1-1 at half time. Darren Moran commenced the second half with Eibhear Colleran moving into the left back role. Colemanstown created plenty of opportunities which were broken down around the opponents box. Tomas Rogerson was introduced a few minutes into the second half and together both Darren and Rogie made great impact on the pitch as Ryan Gavin came off injured. Shane Quirke found himself in great space following a lovely through ball from Tyler Collins but was ruled offside just as he was about to pull the trigger. Another opportunity presented following a counter attack with lovely work by Adam Doyle who laid off to Rogie who could only find the side netting after a penetrating run into the box. The home defence were kept on their toes, closing down attacks with excellently controlled passes to midfield, while Sean Cooke was quick to advance off his goal line several times to collect and send the ball expertly to the wingers. Darren Moran had a golden chance when he found himself unmarked in the box but shot wide after good work originating in midfield involving Matthew Keane & Shane Quirke who sought out Moran who wasn’t too astute with the finish. Moran had another chance minutes later but the East Utd keeper got in ahead of him to collect the ball while Shane Quirke saw his shot soon afterwards also wide of the target. Colemanstown maintained the pressure & a couple of Matthew Keane corners were swung into the box, one of which saw 3 consecutive Colemanstown shots on goal defended well & were eventually cleared by the East Utd defence. With about 10mins to go Conor Walsh’s weighted free kick inside his own half, floated towards goal over the heads of all his teammates, & without a fraction of hesitation, Rogie was the first to react, when the ball seemed to take forever to drop & he smashed a super finish into the bottom corner to make it 2-1. That moment neatly encapsulated Colemanstown’s super attitude. Rónán Screene was introduced and worked well with Darren Moran to press the East defence and look for more goals. Late in the game, Tyler Collins came off injured and Shane Dempsey was introduced and made some key passes. Both teams continued their hunt for goals, but Colemanstown’s defense held strong and the team maintained their composure to keep their lead at the final whistle and take all 3 valuable points. Match report: Orla McCaffrey.
Starting IX: Sean Cooke, Cathal Keane, Conor Walsh, Nathan Mannion, Tyler Collins, Ryan Gavin, Josh Buckley, Adam Doyle, Eibhear Colleran, Shane Quirke, Matthew Keane, Tomas Rogerson, Darren Moran, Rónán Screene, Shane Dempsey, Tommie Muldoon, Joshua McDonnell, Dylan King, Niall Grady. Mgrs: Orla McCaffrey, Damien Mannion
Our A team lost 2-1 conceding a late goal to Carraroe side McDara at home on Sunday. Colemanstown rued a hatful of chances in the 1st half. Kyle Madden scored the Colemanstown goal. Our A team are having a poor run of form this last while so fortunes should turn sometime soon.
U13 Boys Div2 Knocknacarra 6-1 Colemanstown. Our U13Boys found the going tough in their latest league game away to Knocknacarra. Richie O’Connor scored the solitary Colemanstown goal.