Brace each for Cleary and Mannion in Oscar Traynor

Date Published: 21-Oct-2008

HAVING enjoyed the greater amount of possession throughout their opening Oscar Traynor Cup tie of the season at Terryland Park on Saturday evening the Galway and District League side can look back with a certain amount of justification on what was a fine win, but caution must be expressed at what was a poor defensive performance as the visitors had almost a free reign on goal throughout a good quality contest.

Home custodian Ryan Griffin could certainly stake a claim for overtime such was his work rate in the second half in particular, as a series of very smart saves kept the locals in the contest.

In contrast, Galway didn’t get near as many opportunities, but full credit to the front two of Conor Cleary and Brian Mannion as the duo notched a brace a piece each side of the interval.

Indeed the home side led twice in the opening half only to be pegged back on each occasion, by some excellent finishing by a good Inishowen side and it was only in the closing quarter when two goals were acquired in a three minute spell did Jimmy Nolan’s side have enough in reserve to pull away and then hold out for victory.

It was certainly an …