Under heavy grey skies in Furbo this afternoon in the rain our U13’s had to operate at the peak of their powers to overcome a resilient Bearna-na Forbacha side in tough conditions in this latest league encounter. With the weather playing havoc on many of today’s fixtures, credit to Barna-Furbo who had their pitch in top class condition. Given the weather the lads might have started off with a few frowns but by the time the match ended, there were smiles all round. Colemanstown’s youngsters had earned this one. Three sucker punches was enough to see the lads through as their fighting spirit was seen in abundance. They took advantage of the strong breeze in the 1st half and were ahead on 6mins thanks to Cilly Fahey who finished a slick cross from Tommy Mellody. 7 mins later Killian Hughes could have added to the tally but he mis-judged the flight of a cross from Jason Rabbitte. Then Jonah Donnellan’s corner was swept in nicely assisted by the breeze but there was no one there to poke the ball over the line. On the 20min mark, Colemanstown doubled their advantage when Tommy Mellody showed great footwork in the middle of the park before finding Jayo Rabbitte on the left flank, and as he left two orange shirts trailing, his left footed shot found the bottom right corner. With 3 mins to go, Jonah Donnellan’s 2nd successive corner was delivered into the 6′ box and with attempts first from Cian Burke & Cilly Fahey, it was the other Killian, this time Hughes who brought more joy on a cold day as he finished from close range to make it BOOM 3-0. Straight from the kick off, the hosts grabbed a goal following a defensive slip-up which they executed well, leaving Cian Ruane with no chance in goal. Half time: 3-1 to Colemanstown.
The 2nd half was a tough affair as Colemanstown played into a stiff breeze and had to hold the game and couldn’t concede if they were to get all 3 valuable points. They were at the pin of their collars at times but in fairness, never showed signs of panic as David Walsh, Luke Williams, Dara Scarry, Larry Murrajvos and Johnny Keane held their ground well. Cian Ruane again was tested after Jonah Donnellan conceded a free kick which was well taken by their striker but Ruane was equal to the task between the posts. Then Donnellan had a long delivery over the top from the middle of the field for Cilly Fahey to run on to but he drew a great save from the keeper. Fahey then showed tenacious battling on the right wing as he skipped by 3 orange shirts before crossing to Tommy Mellody but his effort was hit straight at the keeper as he held his head in frustration afterwards. Fahey seemed to be straight through on goal moments later but the ref was late to blow for offside. Tommy Mellody then put Rabbitte through but his low hard drill took a deflection off the butt of the post. Ciarán Keating was next with an effort which originated from a throw ball but his hard drive was well held by the keeper. Right at the death there was an onslaught on the Colemanstown goal but a combination of Johnny Keane, Luke Williams & David Walsh cleared the danger to quench any doubts of a late Barna-Furbo blitz.
Invigorated for the entire game but particularly in the 2nd half when it mattered most, the movement of the ball between the lads was superb and everyone had a total understanding of each pattern of play. On a cold wet breezy day the 3 goals brightened up proceedings and the win now sees Colemanstown sit top of the table with Cregmore/ Claregalway who are also unbeaten. Surely the outcome of that league game will decide the destiny of the league trophy for the winners.
Squad: Cian Ruane, Eanna Burke, Luke Williams, Dara Scarry, Harry Mitchell, Killian Hughes, CIan Burke, Jonah Donnellan, Jason Rabbitte, Toomy Mellody, Cillian Fahey, Johnny Keane, Ciarán Keating, David Walsh, Eoin Keague, Nathan Greaney, Larry Murrajvos.
Our U15 game had to succumb to the weather and a water logged Colemanstown pitch. We await a pitch inspection in the morning before the U18 home game vs Oranmore at 2pm. Our A team are also away to Glen Celtic in the Connacht Shield. KO 2pm.