U18 Boys: Div 1 Cup: Renmore 1-3 Colemanstown. Fielding with just 11 players, Colemanstown’s U18 boys produced a superb performance on Sunday to secure a deserved 3–1 Cup win away to Renmore in the 1st round of the Divisional Cup to book their place in the semi-finals in impressive fashion. With no subs available, the task was always going to be demanding, but the lads rose to the challenge with a tremendous display of determination, teamwork & quality football. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Colemanstown started brightly & quickly took control of proceedings, moved the ball confidently & linked up beautifully across the pitch. The breakthrough arrived on the 10min mark when Martin Mellody produced a moment of real class. He picked up the ball outside the box, showed great skill to round two Renmore players before unleashing a superb strike into the top right corner. It was a fantastic finish that set the tone for what was to follow. Colemanstown continued to dictate the tempo & refused to allow Renmore any foothold in the game. Their passing was sharp, their movement purposeful & their work rate exceptional. The second goal arrived courtesy of Oisín Gavin, who calmly found the bottom right corner after being expertly set up by Martin Mellody. It was another well worked goal and a deserved reward for Colemanstown’s dominance. There was a further opportunity to extend the lead before the interval when Paddy Gavin stepped up to take a penalty. His effort was struck with real power, but the Renmore keeper produced an outrageous save to keep his side in the contest. Despite that disappointment, Colemanstown went into the break holding a commanding & thoroughly deserved 2–0 advantage.
The 2nd half required the same commitment & discipline, particularly with no subs available & the lads continued to put in a tremendous shift. Their reward came midway through the half when Noah McDonnell delivered a dangerous corner into the box. Causing all sorts of consternation among the Renmore defence, the ball curled its way into the net to make it 3–0 & put Colemanstown firmly in control. Renmore managed to pull a goal back with 10mins to play. A long kick out from their keeper sent their striker through one-on-one with the advancing Mike Lally & he calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. It was a consolation for Renmore, but it did little to take away from a magnificent Colemanstown performance. Special mention must go to Mike Lally, who stepped into the unfamiliar role of keeper in the absence of Tommy Nutley. Mike was outstanding between the posts & produced a commanding performance & showed great composure in a position that was not his usual territory. He more than rose to the occasion. At the heart of the defence, Niall Robinson was simply outstanding. He led by example from centre back & delivered a commanding performance. His leadership & determination were instrumental in keeping Renmore at bay. Every one of the 11 players deserves enormous credit. From the outset to the 90mins, the lads covered every blade of grass, battled for every ball & worked tirelessly for one another. To produce such a composed & energetic display with no subs available speaks volumes about the character, fitness & togetherness within this squad. Well done lads on a brilliant team performance & 3 quality goals. Match Report: Stephen Broderick
Squad: Mike Lally, Daniel Booth, Niall Robinson, Oisín Gavin, Joshua McDonnell, Jamie Lally, Paddy Gavin, Tom Holohan, Gearoid Walsh, Noah McDonnell and Martin Mellody.
U12 Boys SFAI National Cup: Knocknacarra B 1-1 Colemanstown A (Knocknacarra win 4-1 AET). A bright dry Saturday morning for this second round SFAI National Cup game at Cappagh Park, Knocknacarra set the stage for a proper ding-dong battle from start to the eventual extra time finish. Colemanstown started well and with a commanding Emily Tuohy deputising in goals, while Conor Burns and Conor Dunne made their club debuts with strong performances. The entire team played lots of excellent football with nice inter-play throughout the entire game. Jamie Butler brought an injection of energy and speed when introduced. It was Knocknacarra though that took the lead mid-way through the first half. Colemanstown responded well and shortly afterwards drew level following some nice passing and a crisp Max Igoe finish. The second half continued with end-to-end action. A well struck penalty awarded to Colemanstown was excellently saved by the Knocknacarra keeper. Colemanstown had several efforts from Finn O’Grady, Charlie Butler, Aaron Keady O’Connor & Shay Morrissey all going close but at full time, the game finished 1-1, so on to extra time we went. Both teams threatened to take the lead in the first half of extra time but both defences stood tall with Colemanstown team captain Panos Costello aided by Colm Mac An Iomaire and others. Knocknacarra however, took the lead again in to the second half of extra time and with Colemanstown looking to pull the goal back they were hit with two quick sucker punch goals from Knocknacarra. To Colemanstown’s credit, they didn’t give up and worked hard for each other to the final whistle. The boys now enter the SFAI National Trophy competition. Match Report: Mike Morrissey.
Squad: Emily Tuohy, Colm Mac An Iomaire, Panos Costello (C), Conor Burns, Shay Morrissey, Charlie Butler, Aaron Keady O’Connor, Conor Dunne, Finn O’Grady, Jamie Butler, Max Igoe