Colemanstown ‘A’ advanced to Round 3 of the Connaught Cup with a hard fought home win over Hibs ‘B’ Div 4 table toppers and unbeaten in the league to date. Colemanstown did not have it all their own way but were the better team overall and claimed this victory with 2 goals, one in each half from Tom Flannery with both goals coming from periods of dominance in possession. Playing against a stiff breeze in the first half Flan’s first goal came midway through the opening half when he ran on to a through ball from Richie Lally, rounded the advancing keeper and slotted the ball into an empty net. Before the opener, Flan was wide of the target with a driving header while Enda Cunniffe had his effort saved by the keeper. Flan’s second half goal came 15mins in after good work from Sean Hardiman who made his comeback for this game after a period in exile. Hardy’s low hard shot was parried by the keeper and Tom Flan was well positioned to tap home the rebound effortlessly. Colemanstown then had numerous guilt edged opportunities. Garry O’ Grady had a chance but he headed over the crossbar from a Ronan Geraghty free kick. Christopher Sheridan missed a sitter when it looked easier to score after good work on the left from Kerrill Hardiman and Kenny Duane’s unmarked header was also wide of the target. Kegs and Richie Lally linked up well to create another effort but the latter blasted to the left of the post and seconds later Tom Flannery blasted over the crossbar. Then Hibs took one of the few chances that came their way as the Colemanstown defence failed to clear their lines as the ball found the net late in the game when it deflected off the post despite the best efforts of Alan ‘Junior’ Finn. Hibs had another chance right at the death to bring the game to extra time but fortunately for the home side it was just wide. Colemanstown had a strong defensive work ethic especially from young Johnny Lally and Alan Finn at left back. Ronnie Geraghty was superb in the middle of the park while Kegs and Tom Flan are perfecting even more with each game and again were up to their usual trickery. They seem to have an innate ability to know exactly where each other are positioned at all times while their linkwork is a joy to watch. Meanwhile Sean Hardy did well on his first start for quite a while until he retired before the end due to an injury sustained.