A full Connacht Cup fixture list took place today, Bank Holiday Monday, which made up for Saturday’s postponements due to the blanket ban on matches thanks to Storm Beolo.
Western Hygiene Supplies Art Friel Championship: Corrib Rangers 0-3 Colemanstown. This was a fantastic victory for the lads on Sunday morning as they produced an outstanding performance to secure three valuable points against the league leaders, moving us to within one point of the top of the table heading into November. Colemanstown had a strong wind at their backs in the first half and made excellent use of the conditions.
The opening goal came courtesy of a mesmerising run from Shane Quirke, who skipped past three or four defenders before being brought down inside the penalty area. Tomás Flannery stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give Colemanstown the lead. The management made the first change on the half-hour mark, with Adam Wynne replacing Luke Williams who was forced off with an injury.
The second goal arrived from a long-range free kick by James Collevy. It was an excellent delivery that deceived the goalkeeper before nestling in the top corner. Was it a shot or a cross? Some might say James meant it. James himself might tell you he meant it! Either way, it was a superb goal to double our advantage.
Colemanstown struck again just before half-time when a long clearance from Alan Finn caused problems for the Corrib Rangers defence. A mistimed attempt to deal with the ball from the central defender allowed Tomas Flannery to pounce, and he coolly slotted past the goalkeeper from just inside the box to make it 3–0 at the break.
The second half was a very different affair, with Colemanstown having to defend resolutely for long periods as Corrib Rangers looked to get back into the game. The back four of James Collevy, Richard Lally, Sean Hardiman and Shane Duffy were outstanding throughout, dealing superbly with the attacks thrown their way and helping secure a valuable clean sheet.
Further change came on 64 minutes, as Matthew Keane replaced Kyle Madden. With around 12 minutes remaining, David Walsh came on for Tiárnán Proulx, while Martin Mellody replaced Tomás Flannery. Daniel Keating also came on for Kevin Barrett with 10 minutes remaining, adding fresh legs as the team worked hard to see out the result.
Despite the pressure in the second half, Colemanstown continued to offer a threat on the break, with Quirke and all substitutes creating half-chances but were unable to add to the scoreline. However, the three first-half goals proved more than enough.
In the end, it was a fully deserved victory built on an excellent first-half display, tremendous defensive organisation and a huge collective effort in difficult conditions. The result leaves Colemanstown just one point behind the league leaders as we head into November, with four consecutive home league fixtures offering a massive opportunity for the group. There’s no game for the lads next weekend. We return to action the following Friday night at home against Maree Oranmore B, with a 7:45 PM kick-off.
U12 Boys Connacht Cup: Salthill Devon B 4 – 3 Colemanstown A 3. Salthill Devon played host to this first round Connacht Cup game today at a blustery Drom. Following a stormy weekend with lots of rain and wind, the visitors couldn’t complain about the immaculate grass pitch that this entertaining cup tie was played on. It was Colemanstown that got off to the better start with Charlie Butler finishing clinically following a nice through ball. Salthill Devon replied almost immediately giving keeper Patrick Quinn no chance. Colemanstown however regrouped and created several chances with Conor Dunne going close and a free kick from Shay Morrissey narrowly missing the target. Team captain for this game, Fionn Ruane then made a mazy run in to the Devon box and was brought down as he was about to pull the trigger -penalty! Up stood Captain Fantastic to rifle Colemanstown into a deserved half time lead.
Salthill Devon to their credit, really found their groove in the second half and created lots of chances with three of them hitting the net in quick succession. Daniel Kelly and Conor Burns went close for Colemanstown while Aaron Keady O’Connor asked lots of questions of the Devon defence. Colm Mac An Iomaire, Panos Costello, Odhran Lynch and Fionn O’Connor all worked hard and the boys teamwork was rewarded 2 minutes from the final whistle with another nice finish from Charlie Butler. A frantic final few minutes followed, but the equaliser never materialised despite a huge effort. The boys now enter the Connacht Trophy with lots to build on. Match Report: Mike Morrissey
Squad: Patrick Quinn, Odhran Lynch, Colm Mac An Iomaire, Panos Costello, Conor Burns, Shay Morrissey, Charlie Butler, Aaron Keady O’Connor, Conor Dunne, Fionn O’Connor, Daniel Kelly, Fionn Ruane (C)
U16 Boys Connacht Cup: Ballinrobe ‘C’ vs Colemanstown. Our Colemanstown U16 Boys produced an impressive attacking display away to Ballinrobe ‘C’ today in the Connacht Cup, as it rained goals from all areas of the pitch. Mark Finnerty opened the scoring after 10mins when he volleyed home a cross from the wing before turning provider 2mins later for Dermot Parker to double the lead. Finian Walsh then set up Owen Hillary, who finished confidently, before Hillary himself then assisted Sean Forde to make it No 4. Hillary added his 2nd following a save from Finian Walsh’s effort, & Mark Finnerty grabbed his second of the afternoon after a lovely through ball from Oisín Nugent.
Colemanstown continued in the same vein after the break, when Oisín Nugent scored a superb solo goal. Owen Hillary completed his hat-trick following a scramble from a corner, before Oisín Nugent added another from outside the box. Darragh Finnerty then finished a square pass from Dermot Parker, who scored his second shortly afterwards following another excellent pass from Nugent.
Nugent completed his hat-trick with 8mins to play, before keeper Aidan Quinn converted a late penalty. Oisín Nugent rounded off the scoring to cap a remarkable team performance. It was a fantastic attacking display from Colemanstown, with excellent finishing, unselfish play & contributions throughout the squad. Credit to both teams for their efforts in the Connacht Cup. Match Report: Alan Walsh
Squad: Aidan Quinn, Daragh Blake, Oisin Nugent, Darragh Finnerty, Max Rafferty, Sean Forde, Finian Walsh, Thomas Kennedy, Owen Hillary, Dermot Parker, Mikey Nutley, Mark Finnerty, Danny Mitchell