This article is from page 77 of the 2011-11-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 77 JPG
Corofin Harps 1 – Manus Celtic A 0 at Corofin
THE INCLEMENT weather has ensured a slow start to the season and this game was indicative of that malaise as these sides slugged it out for the points. There was no shortage of endeavour and commitment but due to a lack of quality in the final third for the majority, it seemed as if it was destined to end on a scoreless deadlock until Damien Ryan popped up with a late piece of magic to send his side to the top of the table.
It was a goal worthy of winning any game as a long throw from Brendan Keane was added to by brother John into the path of Ryan who deftly backheeled the ball just beyond the reach of goalkeeper Pakie Healy.
It was cruel on Celtic who had fought the good fight up to that point but in truth, the tide had already turned in Corofin’s favour as the second period progressed, with the physical presence of John Keane as a makeshift centre-forward a constant thorn in Manus’ side.
The first half saw numerous half chances for either side but none that would have troubled the sides’ respective goalkeepers to any great extent. Mikey Geraghty and John Molloy got into good positions for Manus but failed to create a meaningful shot on Fergal Neylon’s goal. While up the other end, Corofin had a few long range sights of goal that drifted over the bar but did have the best chance of the half when Ryan gathered possession at the edge of the box, dummied one defender before his deflected shot fell into the waiting arms of Healy in the 38th minute.
Manus hit back immediately on the restart and had a glorious chance after only 30 seconds when Jamie Fahy dispossessed around halfway and bore down on goal. However, he hesitated at the vital time and saw his shot sail wide of the far post.
From that point on however, Corofin targetted John Keane up front and it began to pay dividends.
In the 54th minute, a Damien Ryan cross from the left was headed down by the big centre-forward into the path of the onrushing Luke O’Loughlin whose stinging shot was tipped onto the sidenetting by Healy. Five minutes later, Ryan and Keane combined once more, this time from the opposite side but Keane headed wide.
Manus emptied the bench in search of a winner and were successful on the counter-attack with John Molloy having their best opportunity eight minutes from time but his shot was kept out by Neylon.
That save proved crucial in the wake of Corofin’s winning goal only two minutes later when Ryan finished with aplomb but there was still plenty of goalmouth action to come before they would secure their second win of the campaign.
Manus’ inspirational centre-half Kevin Clohessy pushed up to midfield and had a shot on target from the edge of the box as did Mikey Geraghty and substitute Jonathan Griffey while John Keane had a volley moments after the goal but none would change the scoreline that puts Corofin top and leaves Manus rooted to the bottom. However, there is still a long, long way to go.
Corofin Harps
Fergal Neylon, Brendan Keane, Stephen Quinn, Michael Concannon, Brendan Neylon, Ian Hassett, John Keane, Darragh Shannon, Luke O’Loughlin, Damien Ryan, Dean Hathfield (Garry Molloy, 54 mins)
Manus Celtic A
Pakie Healy, Ian Considine, Patrick Galbraith,Tola Crowe, Kevin Clohessy, Jamie Fahy (Jonathan Griffey, 75 mins, inj),Aaron Greene (Martin Molloy, 69 mins), Stephen Geraghty, Mikey Geraghty, John Molloy, Mikey McDonagh (James McAllister, 69 mins)
Man of the Match
John Keane (Corofin) Referee Terry Kennedy
West County Hotel Clare
& District Soccer League Fixtures Saturday 05/ 11/ 11 Inter League Youths Cup County Grounds: Clare V Roscommon Referee: D.McCarthy 2.00 Assistant Referees: M.Monaghan,T.Guilfoyle
Sunday 06/ 11/ 11
F.A.I. Junior Cup Clare/Kerr y/ Desmond Area Third Round Mounthawk Pk: Classic V Avenue United Kerry Officials 2.00 Dingle: Dingle Bay Rovers V Bunratty Cratloe FC Kerry Officials 2.00 Fairgreen: Manus Celtic V Broadford J.Stanford 2.00 Lees Road: EnnisTown Rock V Newcastlewest P.Gleeson 2.00 McDonagh Pk: Newmarket Celtic V Ballingarry M.O`Brien 2.00 Note: In event of a draw10 mins e/wextra time and penalties if necessary. Munst er Junior Cup 2nd Round Kilmaley School: Connolly Celtic V Shannon Olympic A M.Talty 11.00 Note: In event of a draw10 mins e/wextra time and penalties if necessary. Husquarna Maloney Garden Machiner y Premier Division League Fairgreen: Hermitage A V Burren United P.Gleeson 11.00 Scariff: Mountshannon Celtic V Lifford A T.Guilfoyle 11.00 Lets Bet Spor ts Bookmakers First Division League Seanchoill Parteen: Bridge Celtic V Bridge United A D.McCarthy 11.00 Lees Road: Turnpike Rovers V Corofin Harps M.Maxwell 11.00 Kilrush: Kilrush Rangers V Rhine Rovers D.Brosnan 11.00