U12 boys SFAI Trophy. Colemanstown Utd FC 2 – 6 Manulla. Our U12A boys hosted a strong Manulla side on Saturday last in the SFAI Trophy. Another slow start from Colemanstown saw us a goal behind after 2 mins. The first 20 mins of the half were dominated by Manulla until the Colemanstown boys settled and a great move involving Chris Burke, Oisin Flannery, Jack Grealish and eventually Frank Dunne who turned beautifully to level the game with a well taken goal. Colemanstown now found their rhythm and Matt Feeney, George Costello and Chris Burke were curtailing the Manulla attacks to a few balls over the top which our boys dealt with. On 25min an excellent piece of flowing football involving Se Laffey, George Moore, Oisin Flannery, and Frank Dunne who turned provider this time to lay it off to Jack Grealish to finish and put us up 2-1. Manulla however levelled matters 3 mins later and we went in level 2-2 at the break. We started the second half well and had a good shot from George Moore well saved by the Manulla keeper. At this stage George Moore and Jack Grealish were replaced by Mark Shaughnessy and James Kilkenny who gave some fresh legs to the midfield. The boys were hit a savage blow on 35 mins when a cross fell to Manulla striker who appeared to be offside. He finished to the net to make it 3-2. Aaron Burke and Ethan Monaghan were introduced to replace Matt and Chris. On 43 mins it was 4-2 after a long range shot from midfield found it’s way to the top corner leaving Kerrill Walsh with no chance. Jamie Lally and Phelim Flynn then replaced George and Se. Manulla were now pushing on to try kill the game off but Colemanstown were denied a few times by some excellent goalkeeping by the Manulla keeper. Conor Egan made his debut appearance for Frank Dunne as Manulla made it 5-2 after Kerrill Walsh saved but the rebound was put away. Shortly after it was 6-2. Our lads were deflated but never gave up and tried hard to claw a goal back. Jamie Lally had a mazie run into box but the ball was just taken off his toe before he could get the shot off. We bow out of the SFAI competitions but we wish Manulla well in the rest of the competition. Match report: Adrian Burke
Matchday squad: Kerrill Walsh, Matt Feeney, George Costello, Chris Burke, Se Laffey, Oisin Flannery, Jack Grealish, George Moore, Frank Dunne, Aaron Burke, James Kilkenny, Jamie Lally, Phelim Flynn, Mark Shaughnessy, Conor Egan, Ethan Monaghan.
U14 SFAI Cup Colemanstown 0-9 Knocknacarra. This defeat came at the hands of premier league side Knocknacarra, who were by far the dominant team with a notable 3 divisions between the sides. Daithi Burns had the best chance of the day in a one-on-one 1st half effort but the keeper saved well. Colemanstown worked hard to get the ball up the field but a far more superior outfit got the better of them in almost every position.
U16 Boys SFAI National Trophy: Colemanstown 4 – 1 Castlebar Celtic B. Colemanstown United delivered a commanding performance, securing a 4-1 home victory over Castlebar Celtic B in the SFAI National Trophy. The game was a display of skill, teamwork, and relentless determination from Colemanstown United. The first half saw Colemanstown United take an early lead with a great exchange in midfield between Patrick Gavin and Tom Holohan with the latter providing a final through pass for Noah McDonnell to expertly finish 1-0. Castlebar tried to respond, but Colemanstown’s defense held firm, keeping the opposition at bay throughout the half. The first half could have finished with a higher margin if our boys had been more clinical, with Padraig Fallon, Patrick Gavin, Jamie Lally and Jamie Cunniffe all going close. In the second half, Colemanstown ramped up the pressure, but it was Castlebar who found the equalizer with a superb shot into the top corner. Our stand-in keeper Morgan Keogh could do nothing to save it, but he was well in command of his area throughout the match. Heads could have dropped, but the boys quickly picked themselves up. Fresh legs were brought on, giving the Castlebar boys more to worry about. The eventual lead came from a combination on the right wing between Daniel Booth and Joshua Lualdi. Although the cross wasn’t met by our players, Martin Mellody recycled the ball and played it to Jamie Cunniffe to make it 2-1 to Colemanstown. Our following two goals were equally well deserved and showcased our attacking prowess, with slick passing and clinical finishing. Martin Mellody scored after tenacious work by Gearoid Walsh on the left 3-1 and finally, Padraig Fallon tidied up a loose ball from a corner to make it 4-1. The back four of Mike Lally, Padraig Fallon, Niall Robinson, and Fionn Proulx had a great game, dealing with most of the Castlebar threats. Oisin Gavin (our captain yesterday), Tom Holohan and Patrick Gavin bossed the midfield, with Noah McDonnell and Jamie Cunniffe providing great support for our striker on the day, Jamie Lally. Colemanstown United’s performance was a testament to their hard work in training and the increasing bond and belief in each other on the pitch. Keep it up and well done lads! Match report: Luca Lualdi