Late goal means hopes of progress in Oscar Traynor goes to last game

Requiring a win in order to guarantee their advancement from their Oscar Traynor group with a game to spare, matters looked good for the Galway League as they led their Clare counterparts until the closing minutes, but a late equaliser in Ennis ended their secure passage.

This 2-2 draw follows up their opening game 4-2 victory over Roscommon, but with a difficult away test to Limerick remaining, they might need to gain some reward in a fixture scheduled for December 29. A failure to do so could see them joined on four points by Clare, if the Banner side defeat Roscommon in their final game.

In that situation, the second qualification spot would be decided on goal difference. After winning their opening two games, Limerick have already secured the top spot.

Clare League 2Galway League 2

With Keith Ward making it three goals in two games, matters looked good for Tommy Lally’s charges on Saturday afternoon, as they took the lead on two occasions, but just like in their opening round contest against Roscommon, they again conceded soft goals that were to cost them victory on this occasion.

The side showed just one change the side that lined out in Eamonn Deacy Park, with Tommy Walsh coming in for fellow Mervue United clubman Adam Lee, and they made the perfect start where a training ground drill worked to perfection.

On just 10 minutes, Ger Cheevers and Barry Moran provided the set-piece links that set up Ward to fire home the opener from outside the box.

That advantage lasted until the 23rd minute when David Reidy whipped in a cross that wasn’t cleared, and Colm Smith took full advantage to nod home from close range and level matters at 1-1.

Just before the break, it took a smart stop by goalkeeper John Mulready to prevent Moran restoring the visitors’ advantage, as the ‘keeper turned the pile-driver from the Corrib Rangers man around a post.

Just like in the Roscommon contest, Galway saved their best spell for the second half and while they regained the lead on 55 minutes, when Stephen Cunningham set up Ward to place the second low in the corner, they failed to build on that 2-1 lead.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.