Colemanstown O35s 2; Ballinasloe Town 1

Our O35’s took on table toppers Ballinasloe Town on home turf last night. They started well with the game being played at a high tempo and gave Ballinasloe little or no time to settle on the ball. However, in the early exchanges, there was no one able to finish a few mighty crosses swept in by Niall Rohan on the left and Kenny Duane on the right as the Ballinasloe backs failed to crumble.

Colemanstown’s defense line of Kerrill Lally, Eoghan Barrett, Adrian Burke & Alan Walsh were well on top limiting Ballinasloe to shoot from long distance for most of the first half. Colemanstown broke the deadlock when Alan Walsh broke from the back and switched the play to Kenny Duane on the right flank with a sublime pass. The fast pace of Kenny drew a foul and up stepped Ronnie Geraghty who relishes these kinda opportunities. Ronnie found the net with a deserved goal in his own typical style and yes; the whole of the ball had crossed the line despite desperate protestations from the Ballinasloe lads. Colemanstown were happy enough to retire to half time 1-0 up.

The 2nd half saw Ballinasloe play much more creative football with fast passing movement but the Colemanstown contingent matched them throughout. Ballinasloe restored parity with a great goal which originated from midfield. Colemanstown upped the ante and in a golden phase of football, Andy Concannon could do no wrong as he pulled the strings in midfield.  

Kevin Sayers long kick out was just perfect for Ger Grady to latch on to and he scored what proved to be the winner in typical Mo Salah fashion as his name was sung heartily around Colemanstown stadium. Padraig Quirke had a few chances to extend the scoreline but the Ballinasloe keeper made some powerful saves. Colemanstown maintained their stamina and composure until the end as the final whistle came at the opportune time. Overall, it was a great squad performance and things are looking good for this squad of veterans and most importantly they are enjoying the game.

They will have a similar tough game against Cam Celtic away on Saturday evening at 7pm in another top of the table clash and will be hopeful of avenging their defeat to the same side in the first round tie.

Squad , Kevin Sayers, Kerrill Lally, Eoghan Barrett, Adrian Burke, Alan Walsh, Kenny Duane, Garry O’ Grady, Ronnie Geraghty, Niall Rohan, Padraig Quirke, Paul O’Connor, Peter Kelly, Cian O’Toole, Eanna Daly, Andy Concannon, Aidan Corcoran, Ger Grady, Gary Broderick, Barry Forde, Ross Sullivan.