Our U15 Boys welcomed Ballinasloe to Colemanstown on Saturday afternoon for their 3rd league fixture of the season. After a heavy defeat to Mac Dara last weekend, the Colemanstown lads wanted to get back to winning ways. Ahead of the game it was widely discussed that Ballinasloe would struggle as last season no less than 7 of their players moved to Galway United and Athlone Town leaving their squad in poor shape. These prematch discussions rang true as the game kicked off with Sean Keating scoring the opener after only 45 seconds when he came in off his right wing to thump the ball low across the keeper into the bottom corner. That spelled the beginning of a Colemanstown riot on the Ballinasloe goal with Harry Tierney getting his hat-trick, with goals also for Captain Fionn Prolux at left back, Thomas Screene in mid-field, Ryan Shaughnessey up-front and Jamie Cunniffe on the right side of midfield who replaced Sean Keating at half time.
With John Parker and Tommy Nutley doing a shift each in goals, neither of our keepers needed to manage any difficult threats. The last word had to go to Stephen Murphy who started his first game of the season as striker as he became a menace to the Ballinasloe back 4 operating between the 6 yard box and the 18 yard line. Racking up 5 goals across the 70 minutes, there was little that was done to stop the constant Colemanstown threat. Outstanding performances from the Colemanstown back 4 of Michael Lally, Eoghan Ryan, Tadgh Bardel and Fionn Prolux who maintained a solid unit despite the temptation of crowding the Ballinasloe third of the pitch. Next up for Colemanstown in 2 weeks time is an away League game trip to East Galway. Match report by Robbie Parker
U17 Boys Manulla 2 – 5 Colemanstown FAI Cup.
Our U17Boys stepped into unknown territory as they took on Manulla in a display of great intensity in the Irish Cup in Manulla yesterday. They strung together a top-notch performance from the off. Within 5 mins Colemanstown were ahead after a battling Ross Lally won a corner which was swung in by Aironas only to win another corner this time delivered from the other side. David Walsh’s trademark corner met the head of Jonah Donnellan who finished a powerful header from close range. Tiarnan Lohan came close with another nod after he rose well to meet David Walsh’s delivery & David Geraghty also saw his header not too far off the mark. Colemanstown’s pressure was relentless and they went 2-0 up on 12mins when a clearance from Ross Lally was flicked on by Kyle Madden onto the path of the inrushing David Geraghty who composed himself well before firing into the far corner. Manulla created their first chance on 16mins after a good move on the right flank, crossed into a crowded danger area; their striker managed to turn nicely but his right footed effort was just wide of the left post. As Manulla dragged themselves more into the game, they weren’t too far off target with an unmarked header. Geraghty claimed his brace & Colemanstown’s 3rd when he latched on to a long clearance from the back, the kind bounce of the ball owed a little to good fortune and with his lightening pace, he connected at full throttle to fire home perfectly with the keeper at his mercy.
At this stage Donnacha Walsh & Dylan Murphy were introduced as Josh Buckley & Ross Lally provided the cutting edge at right & left back while Tomas Rogerson was full of running, Aironas & Tiarnan Lohan anchored midfield & Shane Duffy was a constant threat on the right wing. The hosts had a splendid chance to pull one back before the break when a piledriver ricocheted off the crossbar with Colemanstown heads looking in wonder in all directions as the ball rebounded out at 100mph. Colemanstown piled on the misery just before half time in a replica of goal 2; a long clearance from defence was flicked on this time by Cillian Roche and Shane Duffy latched on to it perfectly, skipped by 2 defenders before forcing home to make it 4-0 at half time and Colemanstown well in the driving seat.
From the outset of the 2nd half, Manulla attacked well with a few attempts at goal but Fionn Flattery had his net well covered. Cillian Roche was over with a header, Jamie Nutley drew a save from the keeper, Dylan Murphy’s header was wide & David Geraghty’s left footed effort drew a splendid save from a busy Manulla keeper. Joshua McDonnell & Sean Connolly were thick in the action at this stage, quarter hour into the 2nd half. Just like the flick of a light switch, Manulla sparked into life. They pulled 1 back when they carved up a great opportunity when their striker unleashed a splendid effort from the edge of the 18’ box, into the far top corner as there was a little consternation in the Colemanstown defence. 9 mins later they found the net again after a well worked move and although Fionn Flattery got his paws to it, he just failed to keep it out. That was as good as it got for Manulla though as Colemanstown found another gear. Kyle Madden was wide from a corner but made amends not long before the final whistle when he stole in the back door; latched perfectly onto a long ball over the top from Tiarnan Lohan and made no mistake this time with his finish to make it 5 – 2 to Colemanstown. Despite the ref adding much additional time, the game petered out.
This was an overall team performance in which the lads commanded most of the play and were top class in their application and passing. They look no further than Barna na Forbacha in their opening league game on Sunday week. Sincere thanks to hosts Manulla for the culinary spread served, and for their hospitality extended to our team. It was greatly appreciated by our lads and by the 2 amigos Gary Broderick & Kerrill Lally who stuffed their pockets with divine treats & chocolate squares for the bus trip home.
Squad: Fionn Flattery, Josh Buckley, Jonah Donnellan, David Walsh, Ross Lally, Shane Duffy, Tiarnan Lohan, Aironas kantauskas, Tomas Rogerson, David Geraghty, Kyle Madden, Cillian Roche, Jamie Nutley, Dylan Murphy, Donnacha Walsh, Joshua McDonnell, Sean Connolly, Ronan Screene, Diarmuid Ryan (inj), Conor van Oosterhout (inj).