It wasn’t the prettiest of football in this first league encounter with near neighbours St. Bernard’s but it didn’t matter a damn as Colemanstown dug deep to claim their first point of the season. Colemanstown steadied the ship after a terrible start which seen them concede an early goal on 10mins when a short corner from St Bernard’s was headed across the goal towards the far post where Bernard’s unmarked striker headed home. There wasn’t much to note from either side for the remainder of the first half but as the game wore on Colemanstown settled more into it and sprayed the ball about to good effect. Nevertheless, St. Bernards always looked dangerous on the break but Jayo Finn brought splendid solidity to the rearguard and was utterly dominating in the air. Debutant Lee Murphy had a chance or two in the first half, however it remained 1-0 at half time. Colemanstown had the better of the early exchanges after the restart and Alan Finn hit the equaliser after he both created and executed a fine finish with his right boot. 8 mins later he finished a splendidly taken left footed strike from a set piece into the top corner after Gary Lally was taken down. At this stage Liam Mullins was doing cartwheels on the sideline, almost Robbie Keane like, but the wellingtons let him down a bit! Gary Lally, Paddy Mullins, Richie Lally, Ray Moran & Alan Finn who had been redeployed as a striker as Sean Hardy was introduced into left back, were a constant thorn for Bernards with some surging runs. Ray Moran then had a goal disallowed for a handball as Colemanstown were in the driving seat and were far from second best. Then late in the game, partly against the run of play, St Bernards were awarded a penalty as Sean Hardy was adjudged to have fouled the inrushing striker and the well taken effort left Junior with little chance. Alan Finn then had an exact replica of his earlier free kick well saved as the Bernards custodian stretched well to get a hand to it and then right at the death Sean Hardy will be disappointed not to have made amends for the penalty when he blasted wide of the target with seconds remaining. All in all, it was a good introduction to top flight football as Colemanstown turned in a solid enough shift in front of a sizeable Colemanstown contingent. The A team play Corrib Celtic at home on Tuesday next while our ‘B’ team play Galway Bohs at home on Saturday at 2pm in their opening league game. Come along and support them.