U12 Boys Championship 2: Colemanstown Utd A 1 – 2 East Galway Utd. On a chilly, windy Saturday afternoon East Galway Utd travelled to Colemanstown for the 3rd meeting of these 2 squads this season. Colemanstown had won both previous matches (league and cup) and were hoping to complete a hat trick of wins and climb the league table. Playing into a stiff breeze for the first half Colemanstown dominated possession but failed to trouble the EGU keeper. Phelim Flynn in goals had a relatively quiet first quarter as our back 3 of Chris Burke, George Costello and Ethan Monaghan were playing superbly while our midfield trio of Jack Grealish, Evan Molloy and Mark Shaughnessy were linking up well with Frank Dunne and George Moore up front. On 15 mins a scrappy through ball made its way behind our defence and the visiting striker struck the first goal of the match. The Colemanstown boys regrouped and pushed on again looking for an equaliser but shots from Frank Dunne, Jack Grealish and Evan Molloy failed to find the net. On 25 minutes we were hit with a sucker punch as the midfielder latched onto a loose ball 25 yards out, hit it first time and it rifled to the back of the net leaving Phelim with no chance to stop it. At half time Kerrill Walsh replaced Phelim in goals. Aaron Burke, Conor Egan and Matt Feeney replaced the back 3 while James Kilkenny came in for Mark Shaughnessy on the right wing. The second half started as the first half finished with the Colemanstown boys having the most possession but the EGU defence and keeper stood strong. Oisin Flannery replaced George Moore as Evan Molloy was re-deployed to a striker role. This move resulted in 2 corners in quick succession brilliantly delivered by James Kilkenny. Evan Molloy found himself on the end of one of these corners and he finished well to the net to set up a nervy last 20 minutes. Se Laffey, Jamie Lally and Eoghan O’Neill replaced Jack Grealish, Frank Dunne and Evan Molloy to bring in fresh legs as we pushed for the equaliser. Our closest chance fell to James Kilkenny who took a ball on the half volley that had the keeper reaching but he got his fingertips to it to keep the ball out. The final whistle came too soon as we at least deserved a share of the spoils. Match Report: Adrian Burke
Squad: Phelim Flynn, Chris Burke, George Costello, Ethan Monaghan, Mark Shaughnessy, Evan Molloy, Jack Grealish, George Moore, Frank Dunne, Kerrill Walsh, Aaron Burke, Conor Egan, Matt Feeney, James Kilkenny, Oisin Flannery, Se Laffey, Jamie Lally, Eoghan O’Neill.
U12 Boys Div2: Colemanstown U12B 9 – 1 Barna na Forbacha C. Colemanstown U12B boys put on a dazzling display yesterday morning as they stormed to a dominant 9-1 victory over Barna na Forbacha C on home turf. Playing against a strong wind in the 1st half after Barna won the toss, Colemanstown found themselves under early pressure. Barna capitalised on their attacking momentum and took the lead after just 8mins, breaking through our defense to go 1-0 up. Despite the early setback our hard working midfielders battled tirelessly to get us back into the game. Their efforts paid off on 12mins when Cathal Burns found the net with a well-taken equaliser. Both teams had chances after that but the breakthrough came on 21mins when Colemanstown were awarded a penalty after an unfortunate handball by a Barna defender. Eoghan Burke stepped up and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner giving us a crucial 2-1 lead heading into halftime after a tough battle against the wind. With the wind in our favour in the 2nd half, Colemanstown took complete control. From the off our lads showcased their skill, teamwork & attacking prowess as they played with confidence & flair, piling the pressure on Barna’s defense. Goals flowed freely as Cathal Burns scored his 2nd of the day & James Vignoles grabbed a brace while Daniel Kelly, Avey Mahon, Eugene Kelly & Matthew Hansbury also got themselves on the scoresheet. It was a fantastic team performance as everyone stepped up and delivered on the day. The final whistle confirmed a convincing 9-1 win reflecting the dominance and quality of our young stars. Well done to the entire squad on an outstanding performance which sees us keep 3rd place with still much to play for in this league – onwards and upwards! Match report: Martina Donnellan
Squad: Oisin Kelly, Iarla Thompson, Cathal Burns, Igor Ziolek, Senan Proulx, Daniel Kelly, Dara Ryan, Avey Mahon, Matthew Hansberry, Eoghan Burke, Andrew Davoren, Conor Finnerty, Eugene Kelly, James Flaherty, James Vignoles, Oisin Duane.