Our reserves had a seriously good day yesterday hitting a remarkable scoreline; 10-0 against Kinvara at home in the league. Gerry Grady scored 4, Fearghal Flannery has now surpassed his brother Tom so far this season with his hat trick scored yesterday, Shane Bailey hit 2 and Kegs scored to make it 10. It was exactly as the scoreline suggests: Colemanstown ran riot and literally dominated proceedings from start to finish.
Our U13’s were first up yesterday for the early 10.30am kick off at home to Knocknacarra. Although we hadn’t a full squad to choose from for varying reasons this was a hectic display. Colemanstown found themselves 1-0 up after 5 mins after Conor Moran’s corner from the left curled straight in. It was nip and tuck for the remainder of the half as both teams sussed each other out, playing good passing football but yet creating nothing meaningful. On 25mins Knocknacarra levelled matters as their striker made a good run on the right side of the field before unleashing a powerful effort which took a deflection off the post and in. Knocknacarra went 2-1 up just before half time as their striker cut in from the left, took a shot which drew a top class save from Darragh Roche but the rebound was tapped in. 2-1 down at the interval. 5mins after the restart the equaliser came in a smashing move. Conor Moran’s cross towards the back post was headed back across the face of goal by one armed bandit Eoin Concannon, who played this game with a cast on, and Josh McGuire Greaney pounced to finish to the net. The turning point came 12mins into the 2nd half when Colemanstown’s custodian Darragh Roche was fouled by Knocknacarra’s striker and the Knocknacarra lad received a straight red for stamping on the keeper. Michael Ryan was re-deployed in goal and Darragh Roche, when fit to resume, slotted into the centre back position where he mopped up everything which came his way after that. A minute later, Conor Moran who covered every blade of grass on the field, crossed to the perfectly positioned one armed bandit whose first touch was perfect and his half volley from 10yards made it 3-2 to Colemanstown. We were now officially on fire and Knocknacarra’s defence were rattled. But wait, 3-2 was not enough. Our boys were on a mission and smelt blood!!! A minute later Conor Moran scored direct from a free kick after Jamie Hession was fouled and up popped Moran to riffle to the net. With 3 mins remaining newcomer Darragh Diskin made it 5-2 with the simplest of touches as the Knocknacarra defence was now officially in crisis mode as Jamie Hession did all the hard work before his perfect cross into the danger area was met by Diskin. In the dying seconds Knocknacarra got 1 back as their big striker rounded our stand in keeper Michael Ryan and he struck to the roof of the net to finish off the rampant scoring in this game. This was an unbelievable performance and a thoroughly deserved outcome for our boys who showed great spirit and aggression on the ball, and great sportsmanship which is a testament to both the players and the management team.
Our U15’s were next up at home yesterday with a 12.30 KO to near neighbours Kiltulla. Although losing 3-2, they were always in this game but probably didn’t take the chances presented to them particularly during a dominant spell midway through the 2nd half. Kiltulla opening the scoring 5mins in but it didn’t take long for Thady Moran to draw level as he won the ball on the left corner, rounded numerous defenders and tapped in from a tight angle. Colemanstown were on top and dominated large passages of play even though they failed to create many scoring opportunities. 7 mins before the break Kiltulla went 2-1 up as a long ball over the top was well read by the Kiltulla striker, who still had some footwork to do before he beat the advancing Daniel Glynn on the Colemanstown goal. Minutes later though, again Colemanstown drew level as a ball sent into the box found Shane Loughrey who struck on the half volley from 15yards to score his first goal of this year’s campaign. 2-2 at half time. Soon after the restart debutant Keith Forde had the ball in the net but was adjudged to be offside. Colemanstown dominated the next stages of the game, the resultant pressure resulting in successive corners, many of which were saved, squandered or defended. Kiltulla delivered the knock out punch for Colemanstown towards the end of the game when they won the ball on the stand sideline, ran goal wards, rounded the defender and curled a superb effort round the keeper. The remainder of the game was played in the middle third of the field with little opportunity for Colemanstown to find the equaliser. In summary, Colemanstown probably edged the game in terms of playing better football but on the day were unable to convert some of the perfect opportunities carved out for them. Next week sees a not so busy weekend of action as our reserves play McDara at home on Saturday at 2pm while our A team take on Mervue Utd in Mervue also on Saturday at 2.30pm.
Meanwhile, congrats to neighbours Monivea-Abbey and to Paddy Mullins, Squelchy Walsh and Trevor Mullins on their one point victory over Kilkerrin-Clonberne yesterday in the Intermediate Football Final which ensures they secure senior football next year.