Hat-trick hero Alan Naughton shines in Youth team’s win in Headford

In tough testing conditions our Youth team travelled to Moyne Villa this evening looking for a response after their first defeat of the season last time out. The game started very tentatively and both sides were finding it very difficult in the foggy and wet conditions. It was very combative, especially around the middle and the lads certainly could stand up and be accounted for. Colemanstown custodian Daniel Glynn had to make a decent early save after racing off his line and save with his legs. Oisin Flannery then had an effort which crept just over the bar. A turning point in the half arrived when a Moyne Villa player seen red after kicking out at Geordan Kenny after 25mins of play. This gave Colemanstown a huge boost with the man advantage which paid dividends on 35 mins when a long kick out from Glynn went over the Moyne Villa defence which Alan Naughton ran on to. He neatly rounded the keeper and tucked it away with his right foot into the bottom corner. Clearly he read the last match report and improved his right peg! The lads tails were up and almost made it 2-0 straight away; Michael Mulligan with great hold up play released Naughton whose shot was saved by the keeper and the rebound fell to Aaron Molloy who had his effort cleared off the line. Colemanstown did however score from their next attack when the ball was worked down the left and Naughton was forced wide. With his attempt/cross the ball looped in over the keepers head. Was it a cross or a goal attempt – we will leave that one for Alan to decide. 2-0 half time.

In the second half Colemanstown were fully aware that Moyne Villa would come out of the blocks quickly and it was Glynn to the rescue again as he closed down the striker quickly and made the save. It was the only real chance for their striker as the solid Jack Barrett and Shaun Keane were excelling throughout the game. Another flashpoint occurred then when after an altercation involving Aaron Molloy and an opposing player which subsequently seen both players red carded. It looked a harsh decision to send both off. After 70 mins Colemanstown killed the game off after super work from Conor Hibbitt intercepting at the back and bringing the ball forward 30 yards before an intricate pass into the advancing Naughton. After his first 2 goals he had the confidence to slot low to the bottom right corner and clinch a hat-trick his performance richly deserved. Colemanstown had a couple of late chances where Oisin Flannery struck over and Robert Cosgrove hit the post. The game finished 3-0 to Colemanstown.

It was a superb performance from the lads, especially after their previous result. By keeping a clean-sheet it gave the young Colemanstown lads every chance in the game so credit to the keeper and the back four. Keep up the great work boys!

Man of match- Alan Naughton as he was a constant thorn in the Moyne Villa side and took his goals tremendously well and an all-round classy performance. Well done Alan.

Squad: Daniel Glynn, Conal Doherty, Jack Barrett, Shaun Keane, Jason Keane, Harry Greaney, Oisin Flannery, Geordan Kenny, Aaron Molloy, Alan Naughton, Michael ‘Muggsy’ Mulligan. Subs used: Robert Cosgrove, Conor Hibbitt, Mika Harun, Shane Burke.