Colemanstown U13s 3- 5 Kiltullagh
Yesterday evening saw the local derby between Colemanstown U13 girls and Kiltullagh on a bitterly cold evening with fierce winds and even a snowfall or two descended on Kiltullagh’s fine Astro surface. Even with the atrocious conditions, Colemanstown didn’t become disheartened when they were 3-1 down at half time – the goal coming from superstar Eve Molloy.
In the 1st half, Ruby Lynch in goals was super and assisted by defenders Clodagh Flynn, Leah O’Connor, Aoife Hynes & Laoise Maybin who found playing conditions tough. Midfielders Nicole Brennan, Eve Molloy & Lily Kirby did well alongside Grace Mitchell, Rachel Kennedy & Chloe Flynn up front.
After half-time Colemanstown were almost reluctant to return to the pitch given the extreme cold, wrapping themselves in coats & blankets at half time in a bid to keep warm. Roisin O’Dea, Liliana King, Roisin Ruane & Ashling Ruane were sprung from the bench alongside keeper Sophie Kelly. Eve Molloy added another to claim her brace while Chloe Flynn also found the target as the score finished 5-3 to the hosts.
Thanks to Linda Philips, Michelle Doyle & Sandra King for running the line, the parents too for their support and the girls for putting in the effort right to the end in difficult conditions. On another day with a bit more luck in front of goal they could have had a better result.
These girls are back again to take on Colga on March 6th to try and avenge their narrow 2-1 defeat earlier in the season. Let’s hope it’s a bit warmer! Well done players & management for enduring such Baltic weather conditions.
Colemanstown U13s 6 – 1 Merlin Woods
Last weekend our U12s were hosted by Merlin Woods in a narrow pitch in Merlin Woods City Park. Fielding with the bare 9 players and playing in terrible wet conditions, what a game for these youngsters who took a while to acclimatise to the smaller than normal pitch, being more used to playing a wider pitch and more expanse game. Chloe Flynn who was absolutely buzzing throughout the game netted 5 goals and was high in confidence and eager to bang in as many as she could. Indeed all the midfielders & strikers had shots on goal throughout the entire game – Lily Kirby, Liliana King, Rachel Kennedy & Roisin Keague all tried their luck and were not afraid to shoot. The back line of Roisin Ruane, Leah O’Connor & Ashling Ruane had a rather quiet game as Colemanstown were camped in the opposition half for most of the game. Sophie Kelly also had a quiet morning between the posts but the same certainly couldn’t be said about Merlin Woods keeper who pulled off some hectic saves & indeed there would have been a heavier defeat inflicted on the hosts only for her top form.
Half time score was 2-1 thanks to 2 well taken goals from Chloe Flynn & Liliana King who was delighted with her finish. The 2nd half belonged to Colemanstown with Flynn bagging a further 4 goals to finish on a final score: Colemanstown 6 – 1 Merlin Woods. It was a game where the girls displayed much of the ball skills drilled into them by Paul O’Connor. Thanks also to the management duo of Sandra King & Michelle Doyle.
Squad: Sophie Kelly, Ashling Ruane, Leah O’Connor, Roisin Ruane, Roisin Keague, Rachel Kennedy, Chloe Flynn, Liliana King, Lily Kirby.
Colemanstown U17s 1 – 9 Mervue Utd
Our U17 girls lined out against premier league table toppers Mervue United last Sunday morning in what was always going to be a David vs Goliath situation exacerbated by the fact we were down 6 girls which allowed many of the U15s to step up to the mighty task of taking on a very talented Mervue side.
The game started on a high note with a fast pace on view from both sides as they showed amazing footwork and teamwork throughout the pitch. Colemanstown custodian Nina Bujak was a joy to watch last Sunday as she forcefully commanded her goal and was well vocal with her defenders, organising the defence well. The central defensive duo of Shauna Hynes and Lucy Kenny were unbelievable as they closed down the oncoming force of Mervue. On 7mins Mervue finally found a gap in midfield and grabbed the opener after some fantastic footwork. The Colemanstown girls huddled for the tip off and clearly had a plan up their sleeve with Leah Moran striking the ball up the pitch. After a fantastic display of passing between Niamh Kennedy and Molly Fahey, Molly’s pass found the fast feet of Eabha Rohan who in turn sought out striker Lauren Keary who expertly rounded the last defender and then did the same to the goal keeper before slotting the ball to the back of the net with 10mins played. She rightfully received a round of applause from the Mervue fans who lined the railing in support of their own team.
Mervue were a little shocked to be pegged back while our girls were on a high and continued with their runs forward on every opportunity creating plenty of shots on the Mervue goal but unfortunately no more were to go in, although the chances were there.
A special mention to Niamh Kennedy who played the entire first half in the middle of the park with a niggling injury and yet still made life difficult for the Mervue opposition. Another we must give special mention to our other U15s Ailish Molly, Saoirse Moran, Keva Hynes and Sinead Rohan who gave their absolute all for the team in an age group 2 years above their own age , well done ladies !
Leah Moran led the midfield throughout the game and her support and calls to teammates could be heard for the entire game and its clear why she was nominated by her teammates as captain. The Mervue unit re-gained their composure and on the 23minute mark they grabbed a fantastic goal when they chipped the Colemanstown keeper from way out the field – a super goal that Nina just couldn’t do anything about. The girls kept attacking though and Leah Moran won herself a free kick and in true Moran style, she hit straight at the target only for the ball to curl to the left and just wide, completely catching the goalie off guard. The Mervue girls built again and grabbed their 3rd on the 34th minute. The half time whistle came and our girls were on a high as they knew they had held a fantastic unit and knew the talent was there to grab further goals.
Unfortunately things didn’t go to plan in the 2nd half as Mervue tightened up their defensive and took their shots from distance as they knew it was a tall order to get past the splendid Colemanstown defensive unit. An onslaught of goals came for Mervue in the 2nd half, particularly in the last 5 mins and unfortunately it was a tough day in the office for these young girls but many positives can be taken from their first half performance. They surely can be proud of their performance and efforts in lining out against the league leaders in their first season of competitive league action. Match Report by Laura Parker
Squad: Nina Bujak, Saoirse Moran, Shauna Hynes, Lucy Kenny, Keva Hynes, Ailish Molloy, Molly Fahey, Leah Moran, Niamh Kennedy, Eabha Rohan, Lauren Keary, Sinead Rohan.