Memorable week for Colga as they complete League and Cup double

Date Published: 27-Aug-2012

Going into the final round of the Ladies Premier Division league in midweek any of the top four sides could have claimed the title as Colga, Corrib Rangers, Shiven Rovers and Cam Celtic all faced one another and all were separated by just two points.

However all the drama was removed when two late goals by Colga helped them to a 2-0 away win over Corrib Rangers at Westside and in the process, it was enough to give them the title for the second year in succession.

Leading scorer Carol Mannion put Colga ahead with a close range finish, before an Alana Moran corner set up Susie Cunningham for the second. However the outcome could have being so different if Rangers took some of the many chances they created in the opening half.

Evelyn Coffee struck the crossbar in the early exchanges, while she also had a corner pushed on to a post by Colga goalkeeper Marian Murray. The custodian also did well to keep out a Rachel Stewart effort as the home side chased a win that would give them a first ever title.

Nicola Cullina, Sandra Jackson and Sinead McCormack were part of a Rangers side that really threw the gauntlet down to the visitors, while goalkeeper Katie Kilbane also played her part with some smart saves, when the City side found themselves under pressure in the closing stages.

To complete a good week for Colga they completed a League and Cup double on Sunday when they defeated Cam Celtic by 2-1 in the Premier Division Cup final at Eamonn Deacy Park.

An early strike by Carol Mannion put them ahead, but a smashing finish by Aine O’Brien levelled matters for the Roscommon side before the break.

Lisa Casserly struck for the winner on 74 minutes, when she was left all alone at the far post to hammer home a Mannion corner.

FIRST DIVISION

Dara Murphy headed home a Colin Thornton corner to give Maree Oranmore a 1-0 away win over Knocknacarra in their First Division meeting at Cappagh Park.

It was the visitors who created the greater amount of chances throughout, as the more seasoned Maree Oranmore, who were relegated from the top flight last season, faced a home side who were just promoted from the Second Division.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.