U14 Boys Connacht Cup: Colemanstown 3 – 4 Real Tubber (Sligo). On a wet and windy Monday afternoon, Colemanstown Utd U14B lads hosted Real Tubber in the Connacht Cup—the fourth Connacht cup fixture played on the pitch that day. Kerrill Walsh started in goal behind a back line of Jamie Lally at right-back, Matthew Kelly and Martin Flemming in central defense, and Abiel Sudeep at left-back. Captain George Moore anchored the midfield in the number six role, flanked by Jack Heffernan on the right wing, Lucas McKenna and James Vignoles in central midfield, and Nathan Cleary on the left, with Andrew Davoren leading the attack upfront.
The opening exchanges were evenly balanced as both teams adjusted to the tough conditions. In the 10th minute, James Vignoles tested the Real Tubber keeper with a strong shot on target that was spilled initially before being gathered. Real Tubber struck first in the 15th minute, breaking out wide to unleash a quality effort that left Kerril Walsh with no chance. Colemanstown responded superbly in the 25th minute when James Vignoles whipped in an excellent corner for Lucas McKenna to rise above everyone and power home a header for 1-1. However, the visitors retook the lead just a minute later from a free-kick awarded after a soft handball in midfield; with the wind behind it, the long-range strike found the net to make it 1-2. Kerril Walsh was called into action again on 30 minutes, producing a brilliant save to turn a dangerous shot around the post. Lucas McKenna had another close effort on target just before the break as Colemanstown went into half-time fighting hard and very much in the tie.
With the wind at their backs for the second half, Colemanstown came out with real purpose and pinned Real Tubber back, winning a succession of corners. The relentless pressure paid off eight minutes into the half when another outstanding corner from James Vignoles was met by Jamie Lally, who crashed the ball home to equalise at 2-2. Three minutes later, a clever short-corner routine saw Vignoles play it to Nathan Cleary, take the return pass, and whip a stunning curling effort past the keeper to put Colemanstown 3-2 ahead.
Mid-way through the half, fresh legs were introduced as Finn Scarry and Avey Mahon came into the fold for Nathan Cleary and Andrew Davoren. The game became an end-to-end thriller. In the 26th minute of the half, Real Tubber hit back with a 25-yard strike that Kerrill Walsh got his fingertips to, pushing it onto the post before it agonizingly trickled over the line for 3-3. Neither side wanted to yield in the final ten minutes, with both teams throwing themselves into tough tackles and last-ditch blocks. Diarmuid Nevin came on for Martin Flemming with eight minutes remaining as Colemanstown pushed forward. However, a cruel turn of events saw a kick-out intercepted, allowing Real Tubber to slot the ball home and take a 4-3 lead. Colemanstown fought to the final whistle, but an equaliser proved elusive. While it marks an unfortunate exit from the Connacht Cup, the boys gave 100% effort, played some wonderful football throughout, and can hold their heads high after an immense performance. Match Report: Dermot Moore
Squad: Kerrill Walsh, Jamie Lally, Matthew Kelly, Martin Flemming, Abiel Sudeep, George Moore, Jack Heffernan, Lucas McKenna, James Vignoles, Nathan Cleary, Andrew Davoren, Finn Scarry, Avey Mahon, Diarmuid Nevin. Unavailable: Aaron Burke, Igor Ziolek, Eugene Kelly, James Flaherty, Patrick Collins, Daniel Kelly.
U18 Boys Div.1: Renmore 3-4 Colemanstown. Colemanstown’s U18 boys returned to winning ways in spectacular fashion on Sunday, when they produced a superb second-half comeback to edge a pulsating seven-goal thriller away to Renmore. With Renmore playing with the benefit of a strong breeze in the first half, the hosts struck first on the quarter-hour mark. A long ball over the top caused problems for the Colemanstown defence, with the winter sun adding to the confusion as Renmore somehow scrambled the ball over the line.
Colemanstown responded brilliantly & deservedly drew level on the half-hour mark. Martin Mellody won possession & laid the ball back to Paddy Gavin, who unleashed a magnificent curling strike from outside the box, to find the top corner & give the Renmore keeper absolutely no chance. Just when Colemanstown looked set to head into the break on level terms, Renmore struck again on the stroke of half-time to restore their advantage. Renmore’s keeper also played a crucial role in the first half, as he produced a superb double save to keep his side in front as Renmore went in 2–1 up.
Whatever was said in the Colemanstown changing room at half time, certainly had the desired effect! The visitors emerged for the 2nd half with renewed purpose; they moved the ball superbly around the pitch & displayed excellent teamwork across the pitch. 20mins after the restart, Colemanstown were back on level terms thanks to a spectacular Jamie Lally volley from the edge of the box, which flew into the top-left corner.
Colemanstown were now in the ascendancy & soon afterwards took the lead for the first time. Paddy Gavin embarked on a brilliant mazy run, beat three defenders before unleashing a powerful effort. The keeper got his fingertips to the ball, but could do little to prevent it from crossing the line as Colemanstown moved 3–2 ahead. Renmore refused to lie down, however & capitalised on a defensive error to bring the contest back to 3–3 & thus set up a thrilling finale in this end-to-end encounter.
With just six minutes remaining, Colemanstown delivered the decisive blow. James Gerrard produced a superb run down the left wing, beating two defenders before squaring the ball across the box. Jamie Lally, timed his run perfectly from midfield, arrived to tap home from close range beyond the advancing keeper & send the visitors into raptures. The final minutes were tense, but Colemanstown held firm to secure a memorable 4-3 win & get their league campaign back on track.
There were outstanding performances throughout the team. Tommy Nutley was excellent between the posts, while Mike Lally impressed after switching from left-back to centre-back. Tadhg Hart & Tom Holohan were superb, Paddy Gavin worked tirelessly, & Jamie Lally was the driving force in midfield, capping an excellent display with two crucial goals. It was a fantastic team performance, tremendous character & a deserved reward for a brilliant second-half display. Well done to all the lads! Match Report: Steven Broderick
Squad: Tommy Nutley, Mike Lally, Daniel Booth, Niall Robinson, Philip Fitzgerald, Jamie Lally, Paddy Gavin, Tadhg Hart, Martin Mellody, Noah McDonnell, Tom Holohan, Gearóid Walsh, James Gerrard, Joshua Lualdi, Fabian Carroll, Sean Keating.
U12B Boys Connacht Cup: Colemanstown B 0–5 Ballyheane B. Our U12B boys faced a tough challenge against a well-organised Ballyheane ‘B’ side from Castlebar. Despite their best efforts, the lads struggled to break down the visitors’ solid defence and ultimately came up short. Plenty to learn from as they continue their development in the Connacht Cup.
U14 Girls Connacht Cup: Colemanstown 1–4 Mervue Our U14 girls battled hard at home on Bank Holiday Monday but were unable to overcome a strong Mervue side. A late goal from Ava Forde provided a consolation for Colemanstown, but it proved too little, too late. Well done to the girls for their efforts.
U14A Boys Connacht Cup: Colemanstown 5–5 (Colemanstown lose on penalties) What a game! Our U14A boys were involved in an incredible Connacht Cup goal fest on Monday morning, with both sides sharing ten goals in a thrilling 5–5 draw. Evan Molloy & Frank Dunne both grabbed braces, while Sé Laffey added Colemanstown’s fifth in a fantastic attacking display. Unfortunately, the tie had to be settled by penalties & after a tense sudden-death shootout, it was Colemanstown who suffered the heartbreak of defeat. It was a magnificent effort from both teams in a match that deserved no loser.
U16 Girls Connacht Cup: Real Tubber 4–3 Colemanstown. Our U16 girls made the journey to Sligo to face Real Tubber in Round 1 of the Connacht Cup on Monday & came agonisingly close to forcing extra time in a seven-goal thriller. Emma Collins, Sorcha Nic an Iomaire & Julie Holohan were all on the mark for Colemanstown, but despite their strong efforts in attack, the girls narrowly missed out, losing 4–3. A brave performance & plenty of positives to take from the game.