Rampant Cregmore crush U-12’s in first game of season

Cregmore’s under 12’s had a ravenous appetite for goals today but only for some top class saves from Darragh Roche, it could have been much more. Then again, the visitors Cregmore finished their goal efforts well, Colemanstown weren’t able to finish their one-on-one chances even though they had equally as many. The game was just minutes old when Cregmore had their first goal but not without some exceptional saves first from Darragh Roche. The ball was quickly played down the other end but the Cregmore custodian also did well from a Ryan Noone effort. Eoin Concannon then missed a chance following a goalmouth scramble after Sean Hansberry cut the ball in from the right side of the field. Michael Flattery then had an effort from a free kick which went agonisingly to the left of the post on 8mins. As play continued Cregmore immediately had a chance to add to their scoring tally after they played the ball up the left wing but again Darragh Roche pushed it away to safety and made another save moments later after Cregmore worked the ball up through the middle of the park. On 13 mins, Cregmore scored their 2nd, a piledriver from distance which left the in-form Roche with absolutely no chance. Ryan Noone had a chance to pull one back but his effort took a deflection and the resultant corner kick was cleared by the Cregmore defence, quickly worked tirelessly up the field and a cross from the right wing was tapped in for Goal No.3 by the visitors. Ryan Noone showed great speed on 18mins when he ran on to a long ball from Conor Moran and found himself one-on-one with the keeper but blasted wide. Darragh Roche spread himself well with yet another good diving save to keep us in the game while the ensuing play resulted in Sean Hansberry winning a good 50/50 ball in the middle of the field and played a peach of a ball through to Michael Flattery who again found himself with just the keeper to beat but the Cregmore custodian was unbeatable. At this stage with so many efforts at goal, one wondered could we beat the No1 custodian at all. Cregmore turned the screw on 17mins with an unstoppable bullet from the edge of the box. Colemanstown then made the break through with good work from Micheal Flattery whose initial shot was well saved but the rebounded effort fell nicely for Ryan Noone who made no mistake this time as the keeper was stranded on the ground. Ryan Noone had another chance soon after but the keeper had quickly recovered from his earlier mishap. Just before the break another diving save by Roche in the Colemanstown goal kept local lad Donal Loftus out. 4-1 Half time. Colemanstown were quickest out of the blocks in the 2nd half as Sean Hansberry seen the keeper beaten but somehow a defender scrambled back to clear the ball off the goal line. Roche again was to the fore with an excellent one-on-one save and within seconds spread himself well to save another and give Colemanstown a life line. A mix up in the Colemanstown defence resulted in No.5 as we found the wrong net. But credit to this bunch of lads, they kept plugging away, shouted on with great encouragement from mentors Andy & Eddie Concannon on the line. They hit the post, Sean Hansberry had his penalty well saved after he himself was taken down and Ryan Noone came close to adding to our tally. Goal 6 came when the Cregmore striker finished well after a great cross from the right. Some great efforts from distance from Conor Moran, Michael Flattery & Sean Hansberry resulted in a great triple save from the Cregmore keeper who was certainly their man of the match. In the midst of Cregmore’s goal barrage, centre back Conor Moran, who was growing in stature as the game progressed hit a piledriver from 20yards to score our 2nd and reduce the deficit. Josh Maguire-Greaney then had a great chance to connect to a Michael Flattery cross but just couldn’t get his foot to it. Cregmore made it 7 with a high looping ball which evaded Darragh Roche in goals. Ryan Noone & Michael Flattery then combined well and a great drive from Michael Flattery hit the crossbar. Conor Moran then played through Jamie Hession and with the goal at his mercy, the ball was just taken off his toe by a skilful Cregmore lad at the inopportune time. All in all, Cregmore deserved the win, were more industrious on the day but Colemanstown settled well after a bad start and more importantly never hung their heads when they were on the back foot. Both keepers were outstanding and made important & technically superb saves to keep their teams alive, in a game which could easily have finished with even more goals, if it were not for the heroics of both keepers. Darragh Roche in goals had such an outstanding game that the referee personally applauded him after the game. He certainly stole the show, although he was on the losing side. A big thanks to Gary & Sharon Noone, Ryan’s parents who sponsored togs & socks for the U12 squad and certainly had the team well kitted out for their first official outing. Gary Broderick’s B team charges were brought back down to earth after their convincing win last week, with a 4-0 league loss to Oughterard. They had to play the last 40mins with 10 lads due to unavailability of players, illness & injury. They should be back on track for next weeks encounter at home to Claregalway.