Colemanstown earned their passage to the last 16 of the Connaught Cup with a 2-1 away win over premier side Tuam Celtic but in fact the margin of victory could have been more. Colemanstown outplayed the home side from the outset as the midfield five of Damo Wynne, Gareth Lally, Ray Moran, Richie Lally & Paddy Mullins were simply outstanding, winning tackle after tackle as they showed true quality in abundance. Gary Lally was pivotal especially in the first half as he took complete control and was extremely inventive with his tackling, passing and superb application. Tom Flan had a few early chances; a header blazed over the bar and another shot from outside the box also whizzed above the crossbar. Colemanstown made the break through on 20mins in a well worked move utilising almost every inch of the park. Paddy Mullins won the ball at left back and played a lovely cross field pass to Ray Moran who in turn fed Damo Wynne on the right wing. Wynne in turn played the ball to Tom Flan in the right corner whose sublime cross across the 6yard box was met by the head of Kegs who was quickest to react and powerfully nod home. Tuam got their first real chance on 30mins, such was Colemanstown’s dominance as they broke through the middle and a shot from just outside the box was well held by Junior in the Colemanstown goals. Colemanstown continued to dominate and another well worked move saw Damo Wynne’s cross met by another Kegs header only to see his effort saved but he was on hand again to tap the rebound to the net. 2-0 Half time. Colemanstown continued to pull the trigger after the resumption. Flan nearly claimed what would have been a peach of a goal early in the second half. Tuam keeper came outside the box to clear the ball which fell to Flan whose attempted chip was denied by the Tuam custodian who showed great athleticism to get back on his line to make a superb save. 2 quick substitutions by Colemanstown saw Stephen Walsh and Johnny Lally introduced for the injured Paddy Mullins and Kegs. Tuam then took what was another rare chance for them as a driving effort from 20yards found the top corner. 2-1 it finished and this was an excellent result over Alan Gough’s trained side. At the end of this game, there was 13 players talked about, not just one. The blend of the side was something else, one of power and panache and fast passing. Junior was well awake and could not be faulted for the goal. Ollie Crowe was recalled to the starting XI after a long sojourn to nurse a niggling injury and it is a tribute to the player himself to be playing again at this level. Jason Finn and Alan Finn showed their usual composure in defence. The middle five were awesome and put in sterling performances while Tom Flan showed his usual skill and was a threat all through and it looks like Kegs is fast catching up on him in the goal scoring charts. Stephen Walsh & Johnny Lally showed a lively presence when introduced. The next round of the Connaught cup is at home most likely on March 29th. We look forward to that one as we say well done to manager Gerry Moran and his battalion.