Jason Rabbitte’s hat-trick helps U14s on their way

Colemanstown United U14’s rattled in five against Oranmore/ Maree ‘B’ yesterday morn to currently sit joint top with Corrib Celtic at this very early stage of the league. I’m sure Corrib Celtic will strive to dislodge them next weekend as the current top two sides meet at home on Saturday next at the unusual later 3pm KO. The winner the next day will surely be in commanding heights for now at least.

Colemanstown won this one with plenty to spare. In reality, the outcome was never in doubt from the 14th minute, when Jason Rabbitte opened the scoring with his 4th goal in his 4th game this season. Colemanstown created their first chance on 6mins after Cathal Kennedy squared the ball across to Harry Mitchell but his left footed effort was dragged wide. The hosts were wide with a free kick while the resultant kick out from Cian Ruane was fed up along the left flank involving Ross Lally & Davy Walsh who sprayed a beautiful pass for Harry to run on to but his effort skimmed across the face of goal. 2 mins later Cian Ruane was called into action with a good stop while Harry Mitchell had another effort with a low hard drill but the keeper got down well with safe hands. The breakthrough came on 14mins when the ball again was worked up the left flank as the diminutive Ross Lally who played out of his skin at left back, found Harry again whose delivery found the inrushing Rabbitte and his cracker from the edge of the 18’ box was sublime.

Oranmore/ Maree had a great drive which was goal bound but Cian Ruane was equal to the task while Cathal Kennedy’s effort was saved by the keeper’s feet. Immediately down the other end, Cian Ruane had to be quick off his line to save a dangerous looking ball. On 18mins David Walsh’s left footed drive was saved well as the Colemanstown lads were almost lining up to have a pop. 10mins later his delivery found Jonah Donnellan who crossed into the box and as Eoin Keague & Jayo Rabbitte both went to sweep on it, somehow the ball got distributed to Harry whose effort was blocked but the rebound fell to Jayo who doesn’t miss from close range as he claimed his second of the day.

On the half hour mark, David Walsh whipped in a free, earned by Harry Mitchell, as Luke William’s header wasn’t too far off target. Harry had another effort which was saved by the keeper as the sides broke at half time with Colemanstown 2 up.

Cathal Kennedy had an early 2nd half effort saved while Ross Lally snuck up from left back and beat 3 or 4 lads but his final effort was hit straight at the keeper as he appeared to be dragged back in the process. Ciarán Keating had a half chance and as Colemanstown were well deserving of all the plaudits Harry Mitchell intercepted a poor kick out and appeared to be in on goal but his effort took a deflection off a defenders body and out for a throw. More great work down the left flank originated by Ross Lally found Harry Mitchell whose distribution into the box found Jayo who again was denied by the foot of the keeper. There was great applause for Cilly Fahey on his introduction, as it’s good to see this lad back in action. He got stuck in immediately and displayed great footwork to hang on to the ball but his effort was saved by the busy Oranmore/ Maree keeper. Cian Ruane did well to hold on to a good effort from a free kick 23mins into the half as Goal No. 3 came a minute later when Harry again capitalised on a short kick out and his delivery from the left was met by an Oranmore boot who smashed the ball into his own net. Ciarán Keating & Jonah Donnellan linked up well as Harry again saw his effort saved. Cilly Fahey’s cross then was met by Jayo who powered home a header but the ref blew for offside although his decision didn’t appear to be validated. Immediately though, the Colemanstown lads responded as the kick out fell to Jonah Donnellan who beat the keeper from distance with a cracker into the top corner. Cian Ruane had to make another good save and then Harry who tried his damndest to find the net hit the inside of the post but Jayo hammered home his famous third and so claimed his hat-trick from the other post late in the game to finish off a good 5-0 victory.

David Walsh & Jonah Donnellan’s distribution from midfield kept the game flowing while at the back the ever reliant Luke Williams, Eanna Burke & Ciarán Keating and of course young Ross Lally were nearly professional. This big win was earned from a truly great performance oozing with effort and passion. It seems like things are clicking nicely into place for Jason Finn & Gareth Lally’s youngsters even with the likes of Killian Hughes missing yesterday.

Squad: Cian Ruane, Ross Lally, Luke Williams, Ciarán Keating, Eanna Burke, Harry Mitchell, Jonah Donnellan, David Walsh, Eoin Keague, Jason Rabbitte, Cathal Kennedy, Johnny Keane, Gary Gill, Cillian Fahey, Larry Murajvos.