OLBC fail to take chances

OLBC 1Kinvara United 1

Mike Rafferty

Boys Club will certainlylook back on this Western Hygiene Supplies Second Division contest that was played at the Jesuit’s on Sunday and wonder how they left without all the points on offer.

Throughout a very competitive contest they were the better side and created by far the greater number of chances, but their failure to put away a Kinvara side that never gave up was their only failing on the day.

Uncompromising, committed and skilful, no one could ask for any more from the players who played some smart football on the day. However a lot of credit must go to a visiting team who worked just as hard and got their own reward when Nigel Conneely levelled matters after Kenny Garvey had earlier put the home side ahead.

While Boys Club were not as adventurous in the opening half, they still threatened more and after taking some time to work their way into the game they did their best work in the closing stages.

With both sides very much involved in the promotion race, there was a lot to play for and therefore every ball was competed for with gusto and passion.

Garvey, who notched a hat trick in his last outing, should have put the home side ahead on 16 minutes, but his far post header following a Patsy Kelly corner was wide of the mark. Damien Carter followed this up with a shot from outside the box, but Gary Kavanagh was equal to the task, producing a good save.

Kinvara’s first effort on target came on 19 minutes when a Robbie Madden effort was comfortably gathered by Sean Walsh and the midfielder later also found the side net after a short corner routine with Johnny O’Dea.

The home side certainly spurned two great opportunities before the break, when Danny McDonagh headed over from just 10 yards out and Liam Coakley had a  shot saved by Kavanagh in  the closing minute of the  half.

With their solid back four giving little away and Ger Keane, Daniel Carter and Patsy Kenny seeing plenty of ball in midfield, Boys Club were pretty much in the ascendancy for the duration of the second half.

A Danny McDonagh free kick had Kavanagh at full stretch to push away a free kick on 54 minutes and Ronan Caldwell who was a handful throughout also tested the custodian after a quick free kick by Colin Merrigan got his defence in trouble.

A rare attack at the other end almost produced an opener for Kinvara, when Nigel Conneely got on the end of a Paul Keane delivery, but he could not direct his header on target and just afterwards Peter Mahon directed a shot straight at Walsh.

For more, read page 29 of this week's Connacht Tribune.