2-2 Draw for B Team

This B game against Cregmore today eventually got played, albeit in tough breezy difficult conditions which played puck for the entire game. This game was to be played previously but was abandoned mid-season following a serious injury received by one of the Cregmore players. Colemanstown have to be commended for their spirit of togetherness especially in the first half as Tommy Kelly got a rare start. They were aided by the breeze, although it was more going across the field as many passages of play were carried out over the sideline. Cregmore survived an early onslaught from Colemanstown as Niall Skehill hit the post on 5mins after a good cross from Bailey. The 2 players combined again minutes later as Niall Skehill scored his 9th of the season when he ran on to a long ball over the top from Bailey, took one touch and shot to the right of the advancing keeper. Cregmore then had a few chances which were collected well by Colemanstown custodian Eanna Daly while they also played in some dangerous crosses but the wind carried them out over the line. Shane Bailey showed some great footwork before the break as he turned elegantly but his shot was narrowly wide of the mark. 1-0 half time. In the second half there was a reverse of the action as Cregmore took advantage of the strong wind and were more on top but their wayward shooting let them down. A rare second half chance at the other end saw Colemanstown capitalise with some good fortune. A Joe Finnerty corner was held up in the breeze, leading to a goalmouth scramble, the ball fell nicely for Padraig Quirke who tucked away his first goal of the season. 2-0 with 15mins left and it looked like Colemanstown had a cushion lead and would be thankful for their moments of substantial fortune and would tolerate the Cregmore pressure and more so the stiff breeze. Cregmore were then offered some good fortune as they pulled one back when the ball came across the box from a corner and the Cregmore striker found the far corner of the net through a crowded box. Eanna Daly then had his moments of fame as he saved a penalty after a controversial handball to keep Colemanstown in the game. Cregmore maintained the pressure which was almost intolerable for Colemanstown and the equaliser originated in a ball through the middle as the Cregmore striker took a touch to beat the mighty Ross and slotted to Eanna Daly’s left. Niall Skehill had a late effort which hit the side net while at the other end Eanna Daly made another superb save. 2-2 it finished but Cregmore probably had more chances to win it but will reflect on a plethora of wayward shots. Eanna Daly put severe pressure on Tom Broderick for the No1 shirt in the last league outing of the season vs Athenry, as he did everything right and could not be faulted for the 2 goals conceded. Ross Sullivan and Padraig Quirke worked hard and played with great passion and were well supported by Keith Donnellan & Joe Finnerty in midfield. Shane Bailey did what he does best, as he held the ball up well and fed top scorer Niall Skekill who did all the dismantling of Cregmore that he could.