Colemanstown U15B Boys team ended some frustrations to claim their second win of the season following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Barna/ Furbo B in the first round of the Divisional Cup final.
The teams played out a goalless draw AET at home on Sunday in a game which was predominantly played in the middle third of the field. Our back four of Joe Carroll until he retired due to injury and made way for Eoghan Ryan, Sean Keating, Noah McDonnell, Dylan King (1st half) & Michael Lally (2nd half) were inspiring for large spells. Seamie Somers men & ladies enjoyed a sustained period of pressure in the first half until they came under pressure themselves just before half time. The visitors got going well to dominate possession in the 2nd half but Colemanstown learned to soak up the pressure as they grew more into the contest but the hosts custodian was in exceptional form. Libby Kennedy fired in numerous corners which Jamie Lally, Niamh Kennedy & the towering Lucy Roberts did their damdest to get on the end of.
It was a game of very few clear cut openings though, and that continued right through to extra time as both defences were well on top and lording the game. James Somers, Jamie Lally, Libby Kennedy & Lucy Roberts narrowly missed the target and that was as close as either side came until the last 3mins of extra time when Colemanstown were awarded a penalty for a hand ball. James Somers stepped up to take it but the ball hit the cross bar & deflected over instead of under. Straight from the kick out Barna / Furbo broke down the right wing & their striker found himself 1-on-1 with Tommy Nutley and Nutley produced the save of the season to tip the ball over the crossbar. The reaction to the save spurred on Colemanstown who saw out the game at 0-0.
It appeared the writing was on the wall for Barna / Furbo early in the shootout when they missed their first 2 spot-kicks as Noah McDonnell & Libby Kennedy converted the first 2 for Colemanstown. The tension raised a bit when Barna / Furbo converted their 3rd and Jamie Lally saw his effort saved. With the hosts missing their 4th James Somers stood over our 4th, calmly placed the ball nicely for himself and slotted home to seal wild Colemanstown celebrations in Stadium de Colemanstown and made amends for his earlier miss. This was just Colemanstown U15Bs 2nd win this season and sparked wilder celebrations than the World Cup for both players& mentors.
Squad: Tommy Nutley, Joe Carroll, Sean Keating, Noah McDonnell, Dylan King, Lucy Roberts, Jamie Lally, James Somers, Niamh Kennedy, Niall Grady, Libby Kennedy, Eoghan Ryan, Francis Weldon, Michael Lally.