Leaving their FAI Cup woes from last week well behind them, a confident Colemanstown United routed Corrib Rangers at home on Saturday in the first leg of the league on a final score of 5-2.
The visitors were like lambs to the slaughter for a rampant Colemanstown side that counted on a brace from Tom Flannery, a goal a-piece from John O’Brien & Squelchy and an OG in a rub of the green. Colemanstown started well and were a goal up after some good work from our midfield partnership who released Tomas Flannery who in turn crossed for John O’Brien to head home after 15 minutes. The goal seemed to kick start the visitors who began to boss things in the engine room as they used the wind to good effect putting Colemanstown under pressure for the next 20mins or so. However, our back four: Ronan Carr, Jason Finn, Conor Jackson, Stephen Walsh all knit together and were effective in their clearances particularly in the air. John Gormally also proved his worth with a fantastic save midway through the half. Celtics pressure paid dividends 8mins before the break when, following a throw in, the ball fell nicely on the edge of the box and the in-rushing centre half struck an almighty effort into the top corner to even up honours at the break.
Two quick fire finishes at the start of the second half from Tom Flan ensured the boys in green got off to the best possible start. The first coming from the left when his low crisp shot squeezed in off the near post after a great pass from Ray Moran. The second coming from the right which he buried low to the keepers left after good work on the right side from Dylan Grady. Two excellent finishes which stamped Colemanstown’s authority on the game. Colemanstown’s fourth came from an OG when a cross from the right was deflected into the goal by the unfortunate right back but happy days for Colemanstown as they went 4-1 in command. Squelchy got the fifth after some excellent hold up play from young Dylan Grady who worked his socks off all day around the middle of the park. Corrib Rangers got a consolation goal at the end but it mattered little to Gilly & his charges as his side put to bed their defeat to Loughrea the previous Sunday.
Special mention to the back four who were resolute throughout, the midfield who didn’t give their opponents a sniff and the front men who scored the all important goals at critical stages in the game.
Man of the Match: Tomas Flannery – Two goals and an assist, a cut above the rest, the award was never in doubt!
A well earned 3 points which puts Colemanstown in better shape heading into the derby Sunday week against St.Bernards.
Squad: John Gormally, Ronan Carr, Jason Finn, Conor Jackson, Stephen Walsh, Tomas Flannery, Gareth Lally, Padraig Quirke, Dylan Grady, Ray Moran, John O’Brien. Subs used: Sean Walsh, Tomas Carr, Jarlath Healy.
Thanks to Jayo Finn for the match notes. He deserves special mention having trained the U13 boys at 10.30am that morning, managed the U12 boys to a close 3-2 league win over Knocknacarra at 12.30pm and then proceeded to play 90mins of football himself at 2pm. An epic 6 hours of football – all for the love of the game.