U12 Boys Championship: Colemanstown 1 – 3 Salthill. Our U12 lads welcomed Salthill to the grass pitch on Saturday for their latest league encounter & produced a spirited performance despite the final result. Playing with a slight breeze in the 1st half, Colemanstown created a number of excellent chances early on & looked the more dangerous side. However, it was Salthill who struck first to take the lead against the run of play. The response from our lads was superb as they piled on the pressure. James Vignoles came close with a powerful header from an Oisín Kelly corner that rattled the post, while Oisín Kelly himself was unlucky to see a long-range free kick also come back off the woodwork. The breakthrough finally came from a set piece. Oisín Kelly delivered another dangerous corner which was met by James Vignoles who powered home a header to level the game at 1-1 as the teams parted for the break.
The 2nd half saw Colemanstown continue to create great opportunities, but for some outstanding saves from the Salthill keeper we could have edged in front. Unfortunately, Salthill regained the lead when a defensive clearance looped high & dropped in over Avey Mahon in goal. Despite pushing hard for an equaliser, it wasn’t to be & Salthill added a third late on to seal the game with a 3-1 win to the visitors. Match Report: Peter Kelly.
Squad: Avey Mahon, Martin Fleming, James Vignoles, Eugene Kelly, James Flaherty, Oisín Kelly, Matthew Kelly, Patrick Collins, Colm Mac an Iomaire, Igor Ziolek, Kayden Brett, Nathan Cleary.
U14 Boys Div3: Colemanstown 3-2 Athenry. Our U14 boys delivered a performance full of heart, determination & belief as they staged a thrilling comeback to overcome table toppers Athenry in a truly unforgettable match. Athenry started strong & broke the deadlock on 16mins following sustained early pressure & quickly doubled their advantage to go into half time firmly in control at 2-0. But the 2nd half told a completely different story. Colemanstown emerged with renewed energy & purpose while the introduction of Adam Mitchell & Aaron Burke proved pivotal. The duo linked up superbly & helped to turn the tide & spark the comeback. Their efforts paid off when they combined brilliantly to set up Caelan Noone who unleashed a thunderous strike to the net! Midfielders Sean Forde & Caelan Noone worked tirelessly, driving the team forward. It was Sean Forde who delivered a pinpoint free kick that was expertly headed home by Oisin Flannery to level the game. With momentum now firmly on their side Colemanstown pushed on. The defensive unit of Conor Saunders, Richie O’Connor, Tim Ruane & George Costello stood rock solid, repelling everything that came their way. The decisive moment arrived when Richie O’Connor delivered a perfectly executed free kick which found Adam Mitchell who calmly slotted home to complete an incredible turnaround. The closing stages were tense, but the defence battled heroically, while keeper Iarlaith Griffin pulled off some superb saves to keep Athenry at bay & secure the win. Match Report: Ann Forde.
Squad: Iarlaith Griffin, Conor Saunders, Richie O’Connor, Tim Ruane, Oisin Flannery, Caelan Noone, George Costello, Sean Forde, Sé Laffey, Thomas Kennedy, Mark Shaughnessy, Adam Mitchell, Trevor Harlowe, Aaron Burke, Phelim Flynn, Niall Mason.
U12 Girls: Div2: Colemanstown 2 – 0 Kilshanvey. Our U12 girls got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win against Kilshanvey Utd at home on Sunday morning. Two first half goals from Lucy Burke Hardiman and Elise Rohan sealed the deal for the girls in green who now move on to a top of the table clash against second placed Kinvara Utd on Wednesday night in a game that could decide the league title. Match Report: Neil Ryan