Semi-final heartbreak for city sides in Connacht Junior Cup

 Mike Rafferty

It all started out with the optimism of an all local Connacht Junior Cup final at Eamonn Deacy Park, but ended with the disaster of both Galway League sides losing their semi-finals in contrasting fashion on Sunday afternoon.

Mervue United conceded just their second goal of the competition, a minute from the end of extra time and it was enough to send them packing away to Westport United.

In contrast, Corrib Rangers were always chasing the game as they found themselves three down at one stage away to Ballinasloe Town and eventually exited on a 3-1 scoreline.

Ballinasloe Town 3Corrib Rangers 1

Corrib Rangers have proved to be notoriously slow starters in a lot of games throughout the season and while they generally do enough to recover against lesser opposition, this was an occasion when the horse had bolted by the time they got their act together.

A goal down at the break, they should have been at least three or four down as the hosts missed a series of clear-cut chances.

The resumption saw a greater sense of urgency about their play, but it was an occasion when they came up against an outstanding defence, who despite riding their luck on occasions, were resolute and dominating as chances were limited.

The game however did have a crucial turning point just seconds after the home side had made it 2-0 on 62 minutes.

A back header by a home defender and cushioned towards his own goalkeeper was picked up and finished by David Goldbey.

However, the incident was flagged as offside by a linesman and there was no talking to the officials as the perfectly good goal was ruled out.

That aside, the visitors can have little complaint and while they might bemoan a lack of luck in the box, their finishing was not of the standard expected of some quality strikers.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.