U18 Premier: Salthill Devon 4 – 5 Colemanstown
Our U18s kicked off their season with 3 points in Drum as they came from behind twice to earn a super 5-4 win in a goal feast against Salthill Devon on Thurs evening. Colemanstown sustained some early pressure before the first chance of the evening which saw Eanna Burke rise highest in the box to get a nod on Tiarnan Proulx’s wonderfully floated in free kick but the keeper did his job. Salthill went ahead on 13mins when a sublime strike from 35’ went in over Fionn Flattery’s head. Colemanstown almost responded immediately when a corner from Aironas was met by Ciaran Mulhern who flicked his header downwards, only to see his effort bounce off the post. Salthill doubled their advantage on 17mins when a cross across the box was drilled low and hard under the hapless body of Fionn Flattery. Immediately Colemanstown responded when Harry Mitchell finished a corner sent in by Aironas. Just on the half hour mark, Salthill extended their advantage when Colemanstown failed to clear and their opportunistic striker capitalised on the opportunity to make it 3-1 to the hosts. Fionn Flattery made a super one handed save to tip over the crossbar as Salthill enjoyed a spell of dominance. Colemanstown pulled another back before the break in a move involving Tiarnan Proulx & Ciaran Mulhern in as good a goal as you’d ever see. Fionn’s quick throw to Proulx who ran over half the length of the pitch, before his exquisite inch perfect delivery found the boot of the inrushing Mulhern who showed great composure to finish aplomb. Harry Mitchells half attempted bicycle kick didn’t work out too well as he got on the end of Tiarnan Proulx’ free kick. There was little more to report before half time as the sides broke for a welcome reprieve from the Salthill sunshine with the hosts 3-2 in front.
5mins after the restart saw Harry Mitchell equalise, after he won back a sloppy clearance and his super strike found enough space to the right of the keeper to make it 3-3. Salthill made it 4-3 when their towering centre back headed home a corner but Colemanstown responded immediately from the tip off. A long delivery from the back saw the Salthill keeper advance to commit but Ciaran Mulhern pounced on the opportunity to tap into an empty net. At this stage Colemanstown began to exert their dominance but were being pushed hard by a tricky Salthill Devon outfit. Jack Dillon was introduced 9 mins into the second half & he proved to be the ace who expertly guided home the winner. Mulhern won the ball in defence and he found Shane Duffy on the right wing who took a shot, for the keeper to parry and Jack Dillon found the winner 2 mins after his introduction to leave the sizeable Colemanstown supporters rooted to the fence & biting their finger nails.
The next half hour saw a game as pulsating and captivating as anything before it as both teams took it in breathless turns to test the other’s limits and nerve. Salthill applied the pressure but much to their frustration, Fionn Flattery made a number of brave & important saves to deny them. Luck was also in abundance as the ball came off the underside of Fionn’s crossbar and the clearance scampered away. Colemanstown sustained the pressure with the back four of Ciaran Keating, Tiarnan Proulx, Ross Lally & Dean Connaire showing tremendous character. They rarely put a foot wrong in Salthill on Thurs eve. It was a game in which the gaffer needed lads to stand up but the entire Colemanstown squad did that. The work rate of the lads all through was tremendous but consciously notable was that of Mulhern, Aironas & Harry, you’d swear they were fitted with engines as Colemanstown held out for an enthralling win. So 5-4 it finished as Jayo Finn’s men began their new chapter with the perfect start.
U15Div2: Colemanstown 6 -0 Craughwell
Our U15 Boys looked in a flashy mood as they netted 6 in total to gather all 3 points against Craughwell in tough weather conditions at home on Saturday. The margin might even have been more as Michael Lally pulled all the strings in midfield and the starting back four: Daniel Booth, Eoghan Ryan, debutant Morgan Keogh & Fionn Proulx were rarely troubled with Tadhg Bardell adding strength to the rearguard just before half time. Sean Keating & Martin Mellody on the right & left wing respectively set up numerous chances while Tom Holohan & Michael Lally showed great footwork & work rate. Joshua Lualdi up front was a constant threat & James Somers pressed hard while Gearoid Walsh & Stephen Murphy kept the ball in Colemanstown’s possession on their introduction. Tommy Nutley in goal had little to do as Harry Tierney asserted his authority on his introduction, scoring just seconds off the bench as he added to Tom Holohan’s earlier strike to make it 2-0 at the break.
In the second half John Parker took over Nutleys role between the posts as Colemanstown continued their dominance. Most of the game was played in the Craughwell half with the home side purring as they enjoyed circa 70% possession. The goals continued to come with Holohan & Tierney both enjoying the upper hand, adding a brace apiece to claim a hatrick each – a lovely start to the season for them both. Colemanstown maintained the same pattern til the end, and ran out comfortable winners which may even have been far more.
Squad: Tommy Nutley, Daniel Booth, Eoghan Ryan, Morgan Keogh, Fionn Proulx, Sean Keating, Michael Lally, Tom Holohan, Martin Mellody, Joshua Lualdi, James Somers, Tadhg Bardell, Harry Tierney, John Parker, Gearoid Walsh, Stephen Murphy, Thomas Screene, Jamie Cunniffe.
U13 Boys Div 2.
Our U13 Boys secured their first win of the season at home to Oughterard in another goal feast blowout. The tone was set early on and remained for the entire match with everyone pulling the strings, when requested. Most players on the field were involved in scoring chances as they kept the Oughterard custodian busy all through. It was a great defensive showing for the boys in green. Well done lads on a perfect start !