Boys U17 Div1 West Utd 2-1 Colemanstown. Colemanstown United U17 Boys were edged out 2–1 by West United in a spirited away fixture, with all goals coming in a lively second half. The opening 45 minutes were marked by a gritty midfield battle, as both sides fought to gain control of the tempo. Colemanstown’s midfield trio, Patrick Gavin, Jamie Lally and Tadgh Hart worked tirelessly to disrupt West United’s rhythm, with crunching tackles and sharp interceptions to restart the play and try and create chances for Noah McDonnell, Martin Mellody and Tom Holahan. West United, however, matched the intensity, pressing high and forcing Tommy Nutley into a couple of great saves and keeping James Somers, Oisin Gavin, Morgan Keogh and Sean Keating on their toes throughout the half.
After the break, West United found the breakthrough, striking twice in quick succession to take a 2–0 lead. Both goals has to be said came from West strikers reacting quicker on loose balls not cleared after two separate corners. Stung by the double blow, Colemanstown responded with urgency. Their midfield began to assert more control, linking up well with the forwards and driving the team forward. Their efforts paid off when they pulled one back, with a great effort from distance by Patrick Gavin, this injecting belief into the side and setting up a tense final stretch. Despite pressing hard for an equaliser, Colemanstown couldn’t find the finishing touch. West United held firm under pressure, and the match ended 2–1 in favour of the hosts. Our bench was emptied with Joshua Lualdi, Daniel Booth, Ryan Shaughnessy, Gearoid Walsh and Fionn Proulx all coming on and trying to support the continuous waves of attacks, but it was not to be this time.
It was a game defined by intensity and determination, particularly in midfield, where both sides showed grit and tactical discipline. Colemanstown must take heart from their fightback and the spirit they showed in the second half and look to build on the positives in their next outing. Match Report: Luca Lualdi
U15 Girls Div 1 Colemanstown 2 – 1 Knocknacarra B. Colemanstown U15 Girls claimed their first league points of the season with a hard fought 2–1 win over a strong Knocknacarra ‘B’ side in their 3rd league outing. Colemanstown showed real determination & hunger from the off as both sides enjoyed an even enough share of possession in the opening stages. Keeper Niamh Lally proved a real asset as her long kickouts caused constant problems & turmoil for the Knocknacarra defence. Despite Colemanstown’s efforts, Knocknacarra took the lead on the quarter hour mark following a goalmouth scramble. However, Colemanstown responded in style just 5mins later. A perfectly delivered cross from Emma Collins on the left found Leah Hansberry unmarked at the edge of the box & she finished superbly to make it 1–1. It was a brilliant reply as Knocknacarra had started to dominate possession. The sides parted for the break in stalemate after an evenly enough contested first half.
The introduction of Sorcha Nic an Iomaire & Julie Holohan in the 2nd half injected fresh energy & pace into the Colemanstown attack. The pair linked up impressively with midfielders Leah Hansberry & Muireann Roche, while Maddie Rohan posed a real threat with her probing runs down the right wing. At the back Aoife Lally, Ruth Burke, Grace Connolly & Shauna McDonagh were immense against Knocknacarra’s well organised strike force. Behind them, keeper Niamh Lally was composed & confident as she calmly dealt with every threat that came her way. With 10mins left, Colemanstown found the elusive winner. Julie Holohan won a crucial ball in midfield & fed Leah Hansberry, who slipped a clever pass through to Sorcha Nic an Iomaire. One-on-one with the keeper, Sorcha kept her cool & slotted home beautifully to make it 2–1. From there, Colemanstown showed great composure & discipline to see out the match & secure a sweet victory; their first of the league campaign. Match Report: Niall Rohan
Squad: Niamh Lally, Ruth Burke, Grace Connolly, Shauna McDonagh, Aoife Lally, Emma Collins, Leah Hansberry, Muireann Roche, Maddie Rohan, Aoife Morris, Evelyn McDonnell, Sorcha Nic an Iomaire, Julie Holohan.