Alas, things didn’t go our way for the U17s yesterday eve against a strong Mervue outfit, but at the end of the day, football is a funny old game. Colemanstown gave as good as they got for most of this league game and might have dropped the heads a bit on conceding the goal 10mins into the second half. However they rallied well and when the ref announced 15 mins left Colemanstown were clearly the stronger side, moving the ball up the pitch better and finding players with their acute passes but just weren’t clinical enough in front of goal.
Colemanstown’s first half chance fell on 8mins when Ciaran Keating’s free kick was met by the head of Ciarán Mulhern but the header was flicked wide. Another set piece on 18mins, this time from Keating’s corner was met by some sort of fancy flick by Jonah Donnellan but he was unable to keep his effort down. Mervue’s No.2 received his marching orders on 24mins for a 2nd yellow after a foul on Jason Rabbitte & all wondered would Colemanstown be able to take advantage of the extra man. The resultant free kick was swung in by Ciarán Keating, Mulhern got on the end of it but the keeper made the stop. On 39mins Luke Williams in the centre of the field found Keating who had a pop at goal but the effort was held by the back pedalling Ellis Kirby. Kirby was called upon to make a fine diving save before half time to keep the game in stalemate. Harry Mitchell found Jayo Rabbitte just before the break but his effort was too tame and the Mervue keeper saved well.
The second half restarted sluggishly with 2 long stoppages due to injuries. Then came what proved to be the winner as a floating cross was met at the back post with a close range superb finish. The game was tit for tat for the next 18mins without either side creating much in terms of scoring opportunities as the game was predominantly played in the middle third. With quarter hour to play Jack Jordan had a good chance but couldn’t connect properly after great work from Harry Mitchell. That was the start of the goal scoring opportunities as Colemanstown’s confidence grew & grew for the final 12mins with some exciting moments. A super Tommy Mellody ball over the top for Harry to run on to but at full stretch in the box, he just couldn’t connect. Mulhern got on the end of David Walsh’s free from the half way line and fired marginally wide with 10 to go. Minutes later an inviting cross from Jonah Donnellan to Jack Jordan who again fired wide. Muller was wide with a header from another David Walsh trademark free kick and just before the end Mulhern’s header was off target as Cian Ruane did well to pick him out. In the end Mervue survived the late onslaught as Colemanstown tried desperately hard to find an equaliser but it was not to be, although they had multiple opportunities.
A special mention to gaffer Jason Finn & his sidekick Gareth Lally who rushed from Cloonfad yesterday where their own match went to extra time, to get to Kiltulla on time for the game. Thanks lads. Yer commitment is truly unique.
Squad: Fionn Flattery, Ciaran Keating, Jonah Donnellan, Cian Ruane, Dean Connaire, Luke Williams, Tommy Mellody, Jason Rabbitte, Ciaran Mulhern, Harry Mitchell, Jack Jordan, David Walsh, Eanna Burke, Jack Dillon, Luke Wilbur, Johnny Keane, Kyle Madden.
Meanwhile our U14s had a tough outing in the Connacht Shield competition against a strong physical Ballinasloe outfit. Tadhg Hart is a big loss to this squad for the remainder of the season with his recent signing with League of Ireland side Athlone Town.