Our ladies team kept their best performance until their last game of the season with a brilliant display away against neighbours Kiltulla in their lovely new astro pitch on a damp humid so called ‘Summer Sunday’. The opening exchanges were tough & physical from both sides. It wasn’t long into the game before Mary Walsh broke down the right wing and with good work won a corner. The first of Theresa Loughnane’s many corners was floated in, bobbled about in the box & fell nicely for debutant Rebecca Clancy who drilled it into the bottom left corner past the keeper’s reach for an early lead. Colemanstown ladies probed for more though with some great surging runs from Alicia Flannery & Grace Bernotaite as the back four: Ciara Lally, Katie Delaney, Sarah Keane & Amy Kenny were solid in front of a steady net minder Orla McCaffrey. Colemanstown ladies applied loads of pressure in midfield giving Kiltulla very little time to settle. Rebecca Clancy & young Rachel Mellody had to retire early due to injury which saw Clare Hannon take up the striker’s role where she was a thorn in the side for Kiltulla and together with Mary Walsh they caused mayhem up front with their darting runs. Claire Keane was introduced for Rachel Mellody and she supplied great deliveries into the box throughout the 2nd half with two of her efforts just drifting wide.
Colemanstown continued their dominance with corner after corner and plenty of chances but Kiltulla’s defense were stubborn. Kate Williams entered the fray at left mid and was secure in her position, clearing any potential threats. The deliveries were fast and perfect from Laura Parker, Alicia Flannery, Theresa Loughnane & Sarah Keane for the strike force to get on the end of. Our 2nd goal arrived from a half clearance from a corner which only fell as far as Theresa Loughnane and her volley back into the danger area eluded defenders & keeper and found its way to the back of the net. At this stage, all that was left to do was wait for the refs final whistle and commence a celebration that was a while in the making. Final score: Kiltulla 0 – Colemanstown 2.
The ladies ended their season on a high and things are already looking good for next season. We congratulate Corrib Celtic on winning the Ladies Premier League today. Report by Prince Philip Dee
Squad: Orla McCaffrey, Ciara Lally, Katie Delaney, Sarah Keane, Amy Kenny, Rachel Mellody, Alicia Flannery, Theresa Loughnane, Grace Bernotaite, Mary Walsh, Rebecca Clancy, Laura Parker, Clare Keane, Claire Hannon, Katie Williams.
Colemanstown U12B vs Knocknacarra D
Colemanstown U12B girls played their 1st ever league match on home ground today against Knocknacarra D under torrential rain conditions. Prior to the first whistle by ref Tony Fahy both teams were drenched to the skin after a hasty warm up. Birthday girl and player of the match from last week’s friendly Sophie Kelly was named Captain and yet again played a blinder from the back except this week from a defender’s position due to the return of regular keeper Ruby Lynch.
The first half seen an equal footing with both team’s having equal possession of the ball yet Knocknacarra had more attempts on goal due to a strong strikeforce. The defence quartet of Sophie Kelly, Tara Lally, Maebh Mitchell and Anna O Connor showed excellent teamwork and skill by limiting Knocknacarra’s efforts at goal. The fearless goalie Ruby Lynch saved all attempts on goal throughout the first half.
Tara Lally especially was on the ball throughout the whole match. There wasn’t a striker from Knocknacarra that did not feel the wrath of Tara Lally who was consistent and skilled in attack and defence.
Excellent teamwork was witnessed in the first half by mid fielders Lilianna King, Catherine Irwin, Roisin O Dea and Emma Collins who had good passing and tackling to support Megan De Vos and Roisin Keague up front. They had several attempts to break through the very strong Knocknacarra defence. Lilianna King seemed to be everywhere in the first half looking for possession of the ball or passing out to other midfielders in the direction of the goal. 0-0 at the break.
On the resumption, Knocknacarra took quick possession of the ball and managed to get through Colemanstown’s strong defence line to attempt several goal chances including 3 corners and 2 free kicks, 5 of which were successful and 5 which were deflected by Colemanstown strong defence or saved by Ruby Lynch.
The midfielders and strikers came into their own in the 52nd minute for Colemanstown with an impressive build up from Roisin O Dea, Roisin Keague and the energetic Megan De Vos with 3 attempts on goal in quick succession. Megan De Vos continued throughout the 2nd half to fight for possession and moved the ball about well.
The rain started to subside minutes before the ref finally blew the fianl whistle. 5-0 it ended to a very strong Knocknacarra side. As a first match together for the full squad of this Colemanstown U12B team, these young ladies showed resilience, strength and some amazing teamwork and one thing is for sure this is a team to watch out for as they progress in skills and experience over the next season.
Big shout out to coach Sandra King today for her constant support and winging it together. Thanks to Michelle Doyle for helping with the pitch set up & skill training with the U12B team that really shined today. Report by Linda Phillips.