Reports

Frank Kennedy Cup V Ballisodare United  (Home)
11.00:am Sunday 4th May 08

Coolaney's season came to an end when they went down 2-0 to Ballisodare in the semi-final. On balance the visitors deserved their victory as they had more of the possession and created the better chances but they were never comfortable and a goal for Coolaney at any stage could have changed the game completely. Ballisodare were out of the blocks quicker and applied a lot of early pressure with a number of half chances that they were unable to convert. After 15 mins they had a glorious opportunity when they were awarded a penalty for handball, but Gavin McGuire got down brilliantly to save Niall Hodgins shot and the ball was cleared for a corner. Coolaney had a chance when Peter O'Dwyer put the ball through for Alan Duggan to run on to but the keeper just got there first. Shortly after, Lee Munn got his head to Paddy Gormley's free kick, but the keeper just got down to save at the post. The visitors took the lead on the half hour when Dara Healy got possession in the box and he turned well to give the keeper no chance. Early in the second half, Coolaney conceded a second when the ball was allowed travel across the box and was hit home via a deflection. Coolaney got back into the game again after this and had plenty of possession as the visitors were unable to build on their lead, despite one great chance when the striker beat the offside and was clear on goals but his shot hit the foot of the post and was cleared. There were few clear chances for either side after that however and the game became very broken with several yellow cards towards the end. Coolaney just couldn't create the breakthrough and Ballisodare now have a chance to make up for last weekend when they saw both the title and automatic promotion slip out of their grasp.
Team: G McGuire, B Duggan,  P Gormley, D Ross, M Rogers, A Walsh, M Toolan(G Tansey), L Munn, A Duggan, J Ellis(A Farry),P O'Dwyer  Subs not used:  None
Final Score: 2-0

Frank Kennedy Cup V Western Rovers  (Home)
7.00:pm Monday 28th April 08

Coolaney got through to the semi final of the Frank Kennedy Cup after an exciting encounter in Coolaney. The match was open all the way through and could have gone either way, but Coolaney had the better of the chances and deserved the victory. Western Rovers managed to have 11 players at the start, but went down to 10 after 15 mins due to an injury. Despite another arriving shortly after, he merely replaced the keeper who left the field, also injured, at the same time. Coolaney took the lead after about 10 mins, a good move put Alan Farry clear and he took it past the keeper and knocked it into the net. The home side were well on top at that time, and almost went two up when Lee Munn met Farry's corner with a powerful header but it went over. Keeper Gavin McGuire had to be alert to knock away a shot from outside the box that was curling into the corner. However shortly after, he came out for a through ball but didn't make it and the striker took it round him and hammered it home. Early in the second half, Munn latched onto a weak Rovers pass and hammered it home superbly into the bottom corner from 30 yds out. Other chances followed, Noel Taaffe headed over from an excellent Peter O'Dwyer cross and Mark Rogers failed to get it on target after he got in between the keeper and defender. Then they were hit on the break, as everybody stood off the Rovers winger, he unleashed a shot which McGuire got down to but couldn't keep out as it squeezed beneath his body. Luck was with the home team when the ref blew early for a free as the Rovers midfielder let fly and the ball was deflected high and into the net. Coolaney retook the lead when Taaffe's high ball from the wing sailed over the keeper and into the net. There were several anxious moments before the end, and Coolaney were reduced to 10 men when Tomas Toolan received a straight red, apparently for something said to the ref, but they held on and now look forward to a semi-final on Sunday.
Team: G McGuire, B Duggan,  P Gormley, D Ross, T Toolan, N Taaffe, M Toolan, L Munn, A Duggan,(M Rogers), A Farry,P O'Dwyer  Subs not used:  J Ellis, B McDermott, G Tansey
Final Score: 3-2

League V Western Rovers  (Away)
2.30:pm Sunday 20th April 08

Coolaney went to Skreen knowing that a win would guarantee Division One football next season. And when the home side took the field with only 9 players,  it seemed that things were going their way. The visitors quickly got on top and enjoyed the bigger share of the possession but found it hard to make it tell. There were several long-range shots, mostly well off target, a series of through balls that went straight to the keeper or rolled wide, and several crosses from good positions put behind the goals. Western Rovers, on the other hand, looked dangerous on the few occasions they attacked, with the best chance falling to Michael Kelly who troubled the defence all afternoon. He got clear of the defence but keeper Gavin McGuire narrowed the angle and he rolled his shot just wide of the far post. Coolaney eventually took the lead when Anthony Walsh latched onto a through ball and finished calmly. They couldn't add to the lead before half time, but at the start of the second half they began to turn the screw and it looked like the first half effort was beginning to tell on the 9 men. The defence was breached a few times before Alan Duggan latched onto Martin Toolan's through ball and finished low into the corner. Shortly after, Stephen Farry got his head to Lee Munn's driven cross, but the ball came back off the crossbar. However, Western Rovers continued their sporadic attacks and the Coolaney defence were finding it difficult to contain them. Keeper McGuire did well to touch a free kick over the bar before the home team finally got the goal their effort deserved. This, as well as the arrival of a tenth man, gave Rovers renewed energy and they equalized with just 10 mins to go. It was a nervous finish for Coolaney, who wanted the win but couldn't afford to lose. Rovers should have won it when McGuire saved a shot low at his post but Kelly just couldn't put away the rebound.
With Chaffpool United surprising Quayside Rovers, Coolaney must now make sure that they do no worse than a one goal defeat in the last match against Ballygawley to ensure safety. Today's point, though disappointing, may turn out to be the point that keeps them in Division One. 
Team: G McGuire, A Walsh,  R Tansey, D Ross, B McDermott, M Toolan(M Rogers), L Munn, P Gormley, G Tansey,(N Taaffe), A Duggan, J Ellis(S Farry)  Subs not used:  B Duggan
Final Score: 2-2

League V Ballisodare United  (Home)
11.00:am Sunday 13th April 08

Coolaney were looking to put last weeks heavy defeat behind them as they faced another of the teams chasing the title. Peter O' Dwyer's early goal unsettled the visitors and Coolaney were on top for a while. However Ballisodare started to get the upper hand and keeper Gavin McGuire had to make a good save when one on one with the striker. They conceded soon after, and the exchanges were even for a while. Ballisodare scored 2 goals in quick succession which seemed to knock the spirit out of the home side and when they conceded a fourth it was going to be difficult to get back into it. Just before half time they were dealt a double blow when first Peter O'Dwyer had to go off with an injury and then Tomas Toolan rather harshly was given a second yellow and dismissed. The ten men fought hard in the second half and it was 20 mins before Ballisodare added to the lead. However the effort told in the end and another two were conceded before the final whistle. 
Team: G McGuire, A Walsh,  R Tansey, D Ross, B McDermott, B Duggan(J Ellis), L Munn, P Gormley, T Toolan, A Duggan(M Rogers), P O'Dwyer(M Toolan)  Subs not used:  K Gillen
Final Score: 1-7

League V Quayside Rovers  (Home)
2.30:pm Sunday 6th April 08

Coolaney suffered their heaviest league defeat of the season against promotion hopefuls Quayside Rovers. An early effort from Anthony Walsh which went over the bar was to be the nearest they came to scoring in the first half. The visitors opened the scoring after ten mins as the defence waited for the offside whistle. By half time, it was 5-0 and the points were gone. A good finish from Peter O'Dwyer after being set up by Alan Duggan five mins after the break gave some hope, but 15 mins from the end, Quayside scored the sixth to leave Coolaney still seeking a couple of points to ensure safety.
Team: G McGuire, B Duggan(N Taaffe),  R Tansey, D Ross, B McDermott,  A Farry(K Gillen), A Walsh, P O'Dwyer, T Toolan, A Duggan, J Ellis(M Rogers),  Subs not used:  G Tansey
Final Score: 1-6

League V Maugherow  (Away)
2.00:pm Sunday 2nd March 08

Coolaney edged closer to safety with this hard earned draw in Maugherow. The match was played in poor conditions, and the game was temporarily halted after about ten minutes due to the intensity of the hail. About five mins after the resumption, Tomas Toolan was penalised for bringing down his opponent just inside the box and the home side made no mistake from the spot. However, they didn't hold onto the lead for long, as shortly after Peter O'Dwyer latched onto Paddy Gormley's through ball and he finished well from a very tight angle. Within 5 mins, the visitors were ahead as a Maugherow clearance fell to Stephen Farry and his shot took a deflection and eluded the keeper. It got better for Coolaney after half an hour as they were awarded a free kick about 25 metres out. The keeper managed to get his hands to Ronan Tansey's shot but couldn't keep it out. However, as half time approached, Maugherow began to get a grip on the game, and when they were awarded a second penalty, they brought the deficit back to just one.
The condition of the pitch deteriorated in the second half as both teams struggled to play football. The home side equalized after about 15 mins, squeezing it home after a goalmouth scramble. The rest of the match was open as both teams went for the winner. O'Dwyer, Toolan and McDermott all had chances to win it, but couldn't find the finish. At the other end, Maugherow also had chances to grab the 3 points that they needed to move away from the relegation zone. However, it stayed at 3-3, and Coolaney were probably the happier of the two at the end.
Team: G McGuire, M Toolan(B Duggan),  R Tansey, D Ross, T Toolan, S Farry, A Walsh, P Gormley, A Duggan, P O'Dwyer, B McDermott(J Ellis)  Subs not used:  K Gillen, G Tansey, A Toher 
Final Score: 3-3

League V Cloonamahon Celtic (Home)
11.00:am Sunday 17th February 08

Coolaney missed a great chance to get right back into the promotion chase in this exciting encounter in the Community Park and in doing so lost their unbeaten competitive record in the new ground. It was one of those matches where goals were liable to come at any time, but it was difficult to predict at which end. Unfortunately for Coolaney, they conceded 6 to the visitors 4. The tone was set in the first few minutes as Coolaney had a great chance but just couldn't scramble the ball over the line; almost immediately Cloonamahon broke but shot poorly from a good position. Coolaney had much the better of the early exchanges but were caught on the break when they allowed a cross travel right across the goals and it was hammered home. Trevor McGuinn had a great chance of an equalizer when he had time to pick his spot when one on one with the keeper but he put it just wide. Shortly after, it was level as Alan Duggan put Peter O'Dwyer through and he slotted it neatly into the corner. The same combination then put the home side ahead as Duggan's low corner was buried by O'Dwyer.
Coolaney were well on top at this stage and should have added to the lead, but they were again caught cold as Cloonamahon broke through and equalized. Once again, O'Dwyer put Coolaney in the lead as RonanTansey's free kick broke to him and he struck it first time giving the keeper no chance. Cloonamahon should have equalized just before half time when they again got clean through but somehow put it wide.
Early in the second half, McGuinn put in an excellent cross but O'Dwyer could only head it over the bar. McGuinn had to leave the field with a hamstring injury shortly after. His replacement James Ellis put in an excellent cross which Alan Duggan headed over when it looked like he must score. Gradually, the visitors took control as the home defence struggled to cope with Alan Flynn who was at the heart of most Cloonamahon's attacks. Two goals came in quick succession as the forwards were given far too much time on the ball. Flynn then scored the goal of the match with a free kick from 40 yards out which gave keeper Gavin McGuire no chance. He did keep Coolaney in the game with a save from another excellent free kick and from a close range header which seemed destined for the net. Coolaney got back in the game when a cross from Mark Rogers was only partly cleared and it fell to Stephen Farry who volleyed it low into the net. Hopes of a dramatic finish were dashed moments later however when Tomas Toolan was adjudged to have fouled his opponent just inside the box, and the visitors made no mistake from the spot. 
Team: G McGuire, A Walsh,  R Tansey, D Ross, T Toolan, B Duggan(M Rogers), T McGuinn(J Ellis), P Gormley, S Farry, P O'Dwyer, A Duggan  Subs not used:  None 
Final Score: 4-6

Friendly V Sligo Rovers (Home)
3.00pm Saturday 9th February 08

This match was never going to be about the result, but Coolaney were nevertheless anxious not to be embarassed by their illustrious visitors. They succeeded in this and while 7-0 was a comprehensive defeat, they can still be satisfied with the day's work. Any hopes of an upset receded when the teams were announced, as Rovers started with virtually their first team and included former Irish international Alan Moore, and it only took about 4 mins to open the scoring. Keeper Richard Brush struggled to get to a Coolaney corner, but the home side were unable to take advantage, and when Rovers broke, some quick passing let Conor O'Grady in to score.It took almost 20 mins for the 2nd to arrive, as the Coolaney back four fought hard to restrict the visitors to a few half chances, this time it was Kudozovic who found himself clear in front of goals and he made no mistake. 5 mins later came probably the goal of the match as Matthew Judge picked up the ball outside the box and hammered it home past the helpless keeper. With just 4 mins left in the half, keeper Fergal Davey was injured as he raced out of his box to try to clear. He was replaced by Gavin McGuire, but his first task was to pick the ball out of the net as newcomer Sean Doherty netted his first for Rovers.
Half-time was welcome, but there was no sign of any relief for tiring limbs as Sligo Rovers sent out a complete new team, which included some regulars like Seamus Coleman and Jamie McKenzie, as well as several trialists. Two early goals, from Ciaran Greene and Gary Curran, looked ominous as the fresh 11 seemed to inject more urgency into the game which was understandable as several were playing for contracts. However, they only managed one more, and that was a penalty by Keith Foy awarded for handball, which keeper McGuire was unlucky not to save. Coolaney did threaten briefly on a number of occasions as Trevor McGuinn, Alan Farry and Anthony Walsh worked a few openings, but just couldn't manage a shot on target.   
Coolaney United: F Davey(G McGuire), A Walsh,  R Tansey, D Ross, T Toolan(B McDermott), B Duggan(M Toolan), L Munn(M Rogers)K Gillen), T McGuinn, P Gormley(A Toher), P O'Dwyer(G Tansey),J Ellis(A Farry)(A Love)  Subs not used:   None
Sligo Rovers:R Brush(P Jennings), R Craetaro(S Coleman, C Butler(C Greene), D Ventre(J Mckenzie), G Peers(S Feeney), C O'Grady(T Iliadis), B Cash(G Curran), A Moore(K Foy), M Judge(M Berlinsk), F Kudozovic(R McLoughlin), S Doherty(L Tierney). Subs not used:   None
Final Score: 0-7

League V Coolera Rovers (Home)
11.00:am Sunday 27th January 08

Nine points from the last three matches means Coolaney can now start thinking about joining the battle for the promotion places. This was a hard earned 3 points as leaders Coolera were desperate to stay clear of the chasing pack, but while the visitors may have had more of the possession, it was the home team who created the chances and should really have won by more. The first real chance fell to Coolaney when Lee Munn's through ball was knocked on by Alan Farry to Alan Duggan but he couldn't get his shot on target from a great position. Shortly after, keeper Fergal Davey punched clear under pressure from a corner, the ball was quickly cleared to Duggan, and his through ball was taken round the keeper by Farry and into the net. Coolera responded with a couple of chances, both coming from crosses from the right wing, the first was headed from close range but came back off the bar and the second was hit well over.
The second half had just started when Farry had a great chance to make it 2. Again he got past the keeper, but a defender just got back to clear off the line. Within a minute, the visitors had scored with a shot from just outside the box. The game was even for some time after that with few chances, but Coolaney didn't want to settle for a point and pushed Trevor McGuinn forward. This had an almost immediate effect as Tomas Toolan's ball forward dropped in behind the defence and McGuinn knocked it over the keeper and into the net. Just after, Farry should have made it 3 when put clean through on the keeper but he put it wide of the post. Then McGuinn got past the back line and his pass to Farry was tucked away but it was deemed to be offside. Another break saw Duggan get clear on the left and his cross was again put home by Farry, but again disallowed for offside. Just before the end another break saw Farry cross to the inrushing Duggan but he shot well over. Coolera could only manage a number of corners and free kicks, and failed to get past a resolute home defence. 
Team: F Davey, A Walsh,  R Tansey, D Ross, T Toolan, B Duggan(M Toolan), L Munn, T McGuinn, P Gormley, A Farry, A Duggan  Subs not used:   B McDermott, J Ellis, K Gillen, M Rogers, A Toher
Final Score: 2-1

League V Chaffpool United (Home)
2:00pm Sunday 16th December 07

Coolaney picked up a vital 3 points in this bottom of the table clash to enable them to move out of the relegation zone for the Christmas break. It was a fairly dominant performance and the only disappointment was the fact that they couldn't add to the solitary goal to put the game out of the reach of the visitors. With the midfield in control, the defence had one of their easier outings and Fergal Davey was rarely tested in goals. What chances there were in the early stages fell to Coolaney with a couple of headers coming back off the bar and a Brian McDermott effort just failing to drop inside the far post. With 41 mins on the clock, the returning Lee Munn picked up the ball outside the box after good work by Trevor McGuinn and fired it into the bottom coner. Almost immediately after, Chaffpool had a great chance to equalize when Tomas Toolan was adjudged to have handled in the box. However, Eanna Scully's penalty was a poor one as he dragged it wide. Trevor McGuinn thought he had added a second just on half time as his looping cross beat the keeper but came back off the stanchion.
The second half was disappointing, with Chaffpool never really looking like they could get anything from the game. Despite having most of the possession, Coolaney had few clear chances, perhaps the best falling to McDermott after a neat through ball by McGuinn, but he pulled it just wide from close range.

Team: F Davey, B Duggan, R Tansey, D Ross, T Toolan, A Walsh, L Munn, T McGuinn, P Gormley, B McDermott(J Ellis),  A Duggan  Subs not used:  N Taaffe, G Tansey, G McGuire
Final Score: 1-0

League V Cloonamahon Celtic (Away)
2:00pm Sunday 25th November 07

A defeat in the local derby against Cloonamahon leaves Coolaney too close to the relegation zone for comfort and they will need to pick up points to climb up the table. They probably deserved a point out of the game but came away with nothing as Cloonamahon scored two second half goals to come out winners after Peter O'Dwyer's first half strike had given the visitors the lead. The game was hard fought but there were little chances created by any side, and indeed it was a goalkeeping error that gave Coolaney the lead midway through the first half. O'Dwyer cut inside and fired a curled effort towards goal, and the keeper seemed to stumble and the ball went by him into the net. It was perhaps a deserved lead as Coolaney had some good posession in the first half. The second half was much the same, but Cloonamahon got an equalizer 15 minutes in, when their striker picked up the ball outside the area and fired it low into the corner. Things were to get worse soon when after pressing deep into Coolaney's half, Cloonamahon's striker burst through on the left and finished low into the net. The visitors pushed on to try and get an equalizer with Trevor McGuinn pushed forward from his centre-half position. McGuinn and O'Dwyer both had decent chances but were thwarthed by commited defending. In the end, they couldn't force a second and had to make the trip home without any points.
Team: F Davey, B Duggan, T McGuinn, D Ross, T Toolan, M Toolan(S Farry), P Gormley, S Walsh, M Rogers(B McDermott),  A Duggan, P O'Dwyer(J Ellis)  Subs not used:  N Taaffe, M Marren
Final Score: 1-2

League V Coolera Rovers (Home)
2:30pm Sunday 11th November 07

It was appropriate that league leaders Coolera Rovers were the visitors as Coolaney United finally got to play on their new pitch for the first time. A draw was probably a fair result in the end, with both sides having chances to win it.
The first half was fairly uneventful for the most part. Coolera played some neat passing in the middle of the field but were rarely a threat to the home goals, while Coolaney were dangerous on the break. From one of these, Anthony Walsh sent over an early cross from the right and Alan Duggan met it at the far post to claim the first goal on the revamped pitch.
The match opened up somewhat in the second half, but clear chances were still hard to come by. Coolera got on level terms with about 15 mins remaining when one of their players was brought down as he burst through in the area and the penalty was emphatically buried in the net. Shortly after they had a great chance to win it when the striker got clean through with only the keeper to beat, but he managed to hit the post and it was cleared. Coolaney thought they had won it when Duggan put Peter O’Dwyer in to score, but he was marginally offside. Soon after, Trevor McGuinn’s long clearance put O’Dwyer clear again but he was brought down by the defender with the referee deeming it to be accidental. Keeper Fergal Davey had to get down smartly to save at the foot of the post, and the Coolera striker missed another good chance as he headed wide from in front of goals. Late on, Paddy Gormley got in a vital block as the visitors seemed certain to score.
Just like last week, a draw was not a bad result, but it was disappointing once again to be unable to hold on to the lead, and with the congestion at the bottom of the table, a couple of wins are needed to move away from the relegation zone. However if performances continue at this level, those vital victories shouldn’t be long coming.

Team: F Davey, B Duggan, T McGuinn, P Gormley, T Toolan, M Toolan, A Walsh, M Marren, A Toher,  A Duggan, P O'Dwyer.  Subs not used:  G McGuire, J Ellis, B McDermott, R Kileen, D Ross.
Final Score: 1-1

League V Western Rovers (Home)
2:30pm Sunday 4th November 07

The only people going home happy from this encounter were the spectators who had just watched one of the most exciting matches at the venue this season. Second placed Western Rovers were unhappy at dropping 2 points to a team near the bottom of the table, while the home side were extremely disappointed to have let slip a 3-1 lead which they held midway through the second half. The first 20 mins were fairly forgettable, with both sides struggling to come to grips with a very poor pitch. Rovers had the first real chance when awarded a free on the edge of the area, but it was hit way over the top. Coolaney forced 3 corners in a row but eventually Western Rovers cleared the danger. With 25 mins gone, the Skreen side were awarded another free in the same position as the first, and this one was despatched to the bottom corner of the net. Coolaney gradually got back into the game, and shortly before half time, Anthony Walsh floated in a free kick and Alan Duggan met it on the run with a powerful header giving the keeper no chance.
Midway through the second half, the home side struck for two goals in quick succession. Alan Duggan was taken down on the right wing but advantage was played as the ball ran to Peter O'Dwyer and he beat a number of players before curling it in from an acute angle. Shortly after, Walsh broke clear after good work from Brian McDermott and his cross was hammered home by O'Dwyer. Western Rovers responded by piling on the pressure. They won a free kick on the edge of the area, in a similar position to their first half frees. This was aimed at the near post and though David Ross got his head to it first, he directed it just inside the post. Shortly after they were level as a cross from the end line was hammered home. 
Rovers thought they had won it as keeper Fergal Davey dropped a cross over his line but the referee blew for a free out even though it appeared he had been hit by his own player. Further excitement followed as Trevor McGuinn's long backpass went narrowly wide as keeper Davey struggled to get back to stop it. The visitors missed a glorious chance to seal the 3 points when their striker got right through with only the keeper to beat but from 10 metres out he shot tamely into Davey's arms, while McDermott had a claim for a penalty for Coolaney at the death.
Team: F Davey, B Duggan, T McGuinn, M Marren,, A Toher, N Taaffe(B McDermott) ,A Walsh, K Gillen(D Ross), M Rogers, A Duggan, P O'Dwyer.  Subs not used: G Tansey, G McGuire, J Ellis
Final Score: 3-3

FAI Junior Cup Rd 3 V Strand Celtic (Away)
11:00am Sunday 28th October 07

Coolaney failed to live up to the standard set in the previous round, going down to their heaviest defeat of the season in a match played in MacSharry Park. Despite the visitors fielding a weakened side, there wasn't a lot to choose between the sides in the first half. Strand had somewhat more of the possession but neither keeper was under any great pressure. Celtic took the lead about 15 mins before half time, but Coolaney had a great chance to equalize shortly after when some neat passing put Martin Toolan through but he shot narrowly wide with the goal at his mercy. Instead of going in level at the break, Coolaney were 2 behind as the defence was opened up again just before the whistle and Davey was given no chance with a clinical finish. 
While there were plenty of incidents in the second half, it is probably best forgotten from a Coolaney point of view. With the home team starting to show their Super League pedigree, Coolaney were on the back foot for most of the 45 mins, hardly managing a meaningful attack. They conceded 5 more goals, finishing with 9 men after both Tomas Toolan and Patrick Gormley were red carded. It could have been worse, as keeper Davey made several top class saves, including keeping out one of 2 penalties conceded.
Team: F Davey,  B Duggan, A Walsh, P Gormley, A Toher(T Toolan),  A Farry, N Taaffe(M Marren),  M Toolan, M Rogers, A Duggan, J Ellis(S Farry),  Subs not used:  B McDermott, K Gillen
Final Score: 0-7

FAI Junior Cup Rd 2 V Skyvalley Rovers (Away)
2:00pm Sunday 14th October 07

It was probably one of Coolaney’s finest performances of the season against an efficient Skyvalley Rovers outfit, and one that threatened not to provide dividends until Trevor McGuinns late late strike which forced extra time. Manager Alwyn Love will be impressed not only by the manner of the win, but also his side’s refusal to give up on a game that seemed destined to slip away from them.
Starting with Anthony Walsh in midfield and Trevor McGuinn in defence, the midfield had a small bit more bite in it and Walsh provided the first chance of the game when his perfectly weighted ball found O’Dwyer whose low effort just went wide of the post. In truth, Skyvalley created very little and were unable to get to grips with Paddy Gormley’s fantastic aerial ability. Going into the break both sides were fairly evenly matched and it looked like one goal would settle this game.
Coming into the second half Coolaney started where they left off with a fair share of posession and another chance fell to O Dwyer where he pulled the ball wide of the post from a tight angle. However, it was to be Skyvalley who took the lead. They were awarded a free kick twenty yards out and converted this with a well taken effort to the top corner.
Coolaney were shocked but pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Alan Duggan came close from an Alan Farry cross but as soon as the 90 minutes loomed Trevor McGuinn broke forward from defence and his fantastic strike left the Skyvalley Rovers keeper with no chance. There was still time for Fergal Davey to be called into action with one fantastic save as the game went into extra time. With tired and heavy legs, extra time was a largely eventless affair and the only way to settle the game was with penalties.
Skyvalley missed their first, giving captain McGuinn the chance to give Coolaney an early lead. He shot wide of the post. The two teams traded one score and one miss in the next two to leave the shootout evenly matched. Alan Duggan and Alan Farry scored theirs as did the home sides players. Fergal Davey saved the next penalty and the pressure was on O Dwyer, who calmly slotted home to win the match for the visiting side, sparking a high-spirited trip home. 
Team: F Davey,  B Duggan,  T McGuinn, P Gormley, T Toolan, A Duggan, A Farry, A Walsh,  M Toolan, P O'Dwyer, J Ellis(A Toher),  Subs not used: M Rogers, B McDermott, P Taaffe
Final Score: 1-1 (Coolaney win 4-3 on pens)

Connacht Cup V Bangor Hibs (Home)
2:00pm Sunday 7th October 07

Another high scoring game but once again Coolaney came out on the wrong side as they went out of the Connacht Cup after a 6-4 defeat in Coolaney. Despite missing a few regulars, the home side started well and Peter O'Dwyer opened the scoring after Anthony Walsh's through ball. However three goals in a short period put Bangor in control at half time. Bangor put away three more in the second half, including a penalty before having a man sent off for dissent by a very fussy referee. Coolaney put in a storming finish just like last week, with Peter O'Dwyer hammering home Alan Farry's cross, Alan Duggan finishing clinically from close range and Anthony Walsh converting a penalty. A fifth would have led to an interesting finish but the home side just couldn't manage another breakthrough.
Team: G McGuire, B Duggan,  A Walsh, P Gormley, T Toolan, A Farry, K Gillen(A Duggan), M Toolan(N Taaffe), M Rogers(J Ellis), P O'Dwyer, T McGuinn,  Subs not used: G Tansey, F Davey
Final Score: 4-6

League V Quayside Rovers (Away)
3:00pm Sunday 30th September 07

At times it looked as if both teams were trying to emulate yesterday's Portsmouth -Reading game with goals looking possible with every attack. In truth, Coolaney never really looked likely to get anything out of the game, after conceding three quick goals early in the first half. However, Trevor McGuinn brought them back into the game before half time with a well taken goal. Quayside had a couple of clear chances before the break, getting right through after some debatable offside decisions, but were unable to capitalise.
With less than 10 mins gone in the second half, Coolaney were caught by a neat through ball which was well finished. Ronan Tansey was given his marching orders after two yellows in quick succession. When Quayside added a fifth a real hiding was on the cards, but Coolaney responded well and began to have much more of the possession and forced several corners. After a headed clearance from one of these, James Ellis hit a tremendous volley which the keeper tipped over. Shortly after Kieran Gillen had a great chance but again the keeper managed to block it. But he could do nothing when McGuinn rose to head home another corner. The continued pressure brought a penalty which McGuinn despatched comfortably, but time ran out before they could add any more, much to the relief of the Quayside defence.
Team: F Davey(G McGuire), I Doherty, A Walsh, R Tansey, A Toher, B Duggan, P Gormley, M Toolan(M Rogers), A Duggan(J Ellis), T McGuinn, B McDermott(K Gillen).  Subs not used: G Tansey
Final Score: 3-5

League V Ballygawley Celtic (Away)
11:00am Sunday 23rd September 07

Ballygawley came out winners in an exciting high scoring game but really Coolaney were left ruing the concession of a number of soft goals which left them too much to do. They perhaps shaded the game overall and showed fighting spirit to peg Ballygawley back three times but never recovered from the concession of two quickfire goals in the first half. Ballygawley had been on the backfoot for the majority of the opening period as Coolaney kept posession well but lacked just a little bit of cutting edge to create chances. Shane O'Brien had a few efforts but failed to really trouble the keeper, while Alan Duggan had the best chance as he got right through but saw his shot go just wide of the post
. They were made to pay for this late in the half, after softly conceding a free on the edge of the area, the dangerous whipped ball was eventually prodded into the net by a Ballygawley forward via a deflection. Coolaney were rattled after this and conceded again shortly after as Coolaney were caught attempting to play the offside and the Ballygawley striker got away and finished low beyond Davey. By this stage Coolaney were completely rattled and gifted Ballygawley three more efforts before the half was out through misplaced passes and dwelling on the ball. Luckily Ballygawley could not take any of the chances even though they only had Fergal Davey to beat on two occasions. Despite being the better side overall in the half, Coolaney were happy to see halftime. However they made the best of starts to the second half, inside the first minute Stephen Farry picked out Brean Duggan on the right and he slid the ball through for Alan Duggan to finish clinically beyond the despairing keeper from a tight angle. Just as it looked like Coolaney would get back into the game they conceded another goal, the host's striker breaking free before finding the far corner with a neat shot. Coolaney got another one back though to keep the tie alive, Brean Duggan's left wing cross was only cleared into the path of Farry, and he controlled it on his chest before volleying beyond the keeper. It looked once again that Coolaney might get back into the game but then Ballygawley restored their two goal lead. They hit Coolaney on the break and their left winger ran through the defence before picking up the ball and slotting it neatly past the keeper. However, to the visitors credit they got back in the game again, Ronan Tansey sent a ball over the top and Patrick Gormley was on hand to hook the ball past the keeper from close range. With only minutes remaining Coolaney pushed for an equalizer, but never really threatened to get it as Ballygawley shored up the defence. 4-3 was how it ended, and with it Coolaney's unbeaten record, in disappointing fashion.
Team: F Davey, I Doherty, A Walsh, R Tansey, T Toolan, S Farry, P Gormley, T McGuinn(B McDermott), S O'Brien, A Duggan, B Duggan Subs not used: J Ellis 
Final Score: 3-4

League V Chaffpool Utd (Home)
11:00am Sunday 16th September 07

Coolaney should have picked up all 3 points after dominating most of the game against Chaffpool Utd. Peter O'Dwyer finally got the goal they deserved midway through the second half after a large period of dominance. However, a late handball allowed Chaffpool to equalize from the penalty spot to leave the hosts rueing missed chances. The first half started evenly but as it progressed Coolaney started to come out on top more and more. Peter O'Dwyer and Brean Duggan combined to fashion an opportunity but O'Dwyer's effort was snuffed out. By the end of the half Coolaney had Chaffpool pegged back but failed to seriously test the opposition keeper. The second half continued in much the same vein with Chaffpool having to resort to desperate defending to keep the score down. That said, they had a few opportunities on the break, and with a bit more composure could have threatened the goals. Coolaney finally got the lead they deserved fifteen minutes from the end. Trevor McGuinn broke down the right and his low cross was sidefooted into the net by the onrushing O'Dwyer. Just minutes later O'Dwyer had another great opportunity from a similar situation but under pressure he fired the ball over the unguarded goals. The lack of a cutting edge came back to haunt Coolaney 5 minutes from the end when a period of pressure from Chaffpool result in a penalty after McGuinn was adjudged to have used his arm to control the ball inside the area. Fergal Davey couldn't get a hand to the well placed spot kick and it was all square again. Coolaney put on the pressure again but failed to threaten and 1-1 was how the game finished, with Coolaney by far the more disappointed with the scoreline.
Team: F Davey, I Doherty(S Farry), A Walsh, R Tansey, T Toolan, S Walsh, P Gormley, T McGuinn, A Duggan(B McDermott), P O Dwyer, B Duggan(A Taaffe) Subs not used: K Gillen 
Final Score: 1-1

League V Maugherow (Home)
3:00pm Sunday 9th September 07

Like all previous games Coolaney didn’t turn up for the first half apart from a spectacular shot from P ODwyer that hit the crossbar, Maugherows left back scored from a corner mid way through the half.
After a fairly honest and frank team talk at half time, Coolaney started to play the passing game and dominated most of the second half. They were eventually rewarded with an excellent finish by P ODwyer but could not press home their dominance.
4 points unnecessarily dropped in the last 2 games leaves Coolaney 7 points behind the leaders Coolera.
Team: F Davey, I Doherty, A Walsh, R Tansey, A Toher, D Doherty, P Gormley, T McGuinn, T Toolan, P O Dwyer, A Duggan Subs not used: B Duggan, K Gillen, J Ellis, G Tansey, B McDermot. 
Final Score: 1-1

League V MCR (Away)
7:00pm Friday 2nd September 07

Despite a superb comeback from two goals down, Coolaney could count themselves lucky to have snatched a draw, as MCR seemed to have a perfectly legitimate last gasp winning goal ruled out for offside. The home side flew out of the blocks and were the dominant side in the first half, as they crafted out a number of opportunites. Coolaney's defence looked a bit shaky and MCR took advantage of this uncertainty, carving out a number of chances. Just after he watched an effort whistle past the goals, Fergal Davy was forced into a smart save to keep the tie level. MCR did take a deserved lead shortly after, they picked up a freekick on the edge of the area and their midfielders curling effort went through the hands of Davey to make it 1-0. Coolaney came into the game more, but produced little chances. After a few more close efforts, MCR finally got their second when their striker broke through the Coolaney rearguard and stuck a low effort in at the near post. O'Dwyer came close to getting one back when he headed Donal Doherty's cross off the bar. 2-0 was how it stood at half time when it could have been worse for the visitors. Coolaney improved in the second half, with more posession as they pushed to get back into the game. Paddy Gormley had a glorious chance to get one back when he took advantage of a favourable ricochet to break through on goals but saw his effort go wide of the post with the keeper beaten. Alan Duggan, introduced as a half time substitute did get one back 20 minutes into the half. Trevor McGuinn was the architect as he powered past a number of players and Duggan was on hand to finish off the move, scoring with a close range finish. Ronan Tansey came agonizingly close to a second when the ball broke to him after a corner but he saw his powerful strike smack the post. O'Dwyer also came close with two long range efforts and MCR were rattled. The equalizer finally came 5 minutes from the end, McGuinn picked up the ball and powered forward before unleashing a powerful effort beyond the keeper and into the net. Coolaney were in the ascendancy and pushed for the winner. MCR were never out of the game though and on a breakaway their striker was upended just outside the box in injury time. Their midfielder stepped up and fired a low shot which Davey could only parry into the net. However, the referee controversially ruled that their striker had been offside even though he did not appear to be interfering with play. MCR were incensed, but 2-2 was how the game finished.
Team: F Davey, I Doherty(A Duggan), A Walsh, R Tansey, A Toher(M Toolan), M Marren(T Toolan), P Gormley, S Walsh, D Doherty, P O Dwyer, T McGuinn Subs not used: M Rogers, 
Final Score: 2-2

League V Ballisodare Utd (Home - McSharry Park)
7:00pm Friday 24th August 07

Coolaney United started off the season with a hard fought win over Ballisodare Utd in McSharry Park. It was Ballisodare who took the lead but Coolaney showed some fighting spirit to come back and take all 3 points. There was little to choose between the two sides early in the game. Ballisodare had slightly the better of the posession, but Coolaney always looked dangerous with Peter O'Dwyer and the returning Trevor McGuinn up front. Twenty minutes in and the first real clearcut chance of the game ended with Fergal Davey picking the ball out of his net. Ballisodare broke away on the left hand side and their wingers cross was allowed to make it into the box, after some confusion Niall Hodgins was on hand for Ballisodare to put make the score 1-0 with a close range finish. Coolaney regrouped afterwards and again, it was with their first clearcut chance that they got the equalizer. On 36 minutes, a mistake in the visiting rearguard gave McGuinn posession and he powered his way towards goals before beating the keeper with a lobbed finish. In the second half Ballisodare enjoyed decent posession but Coolaney always looked the most likely to score. It took until 20 minutes from the end. On a burst forward, Sean Walsh took Peter O'Dwyer's flick down in his stride, volleying the ball expertly past the keeper from 20 yards. There were a few scares for Coolaney before the end, Ballisodare's left winger fired just over from inside the area after a nice move. However, Coolaney held out for the win which sets them up well for the coming season.
Team: F Davey, I Doherty, A Walsh, R Tansey, B McDermott(M Rogers), D Doherty, P Gormley(M Marren), S Walsh, A Toher, P O Dwyer, T McGuinn Subs not used: A Duggan, M Toolan, N Taaffe
Final Score: 2-1

Friendly V Real Tubber (Away)
7:30pm Wednesday 15th August 07

Coolaney United came away from their second friendly with a win that sets them up nicely for their first league game of the season. 22 players turned up in total with plenty of competition in the squad and it showed with an excellent performance against a talented Real Tubber side plying their trade in the premier division.
The first fifteen minutes of the game was largely uneventful and while the forwards saw plenty of the ball they were caught offside regularly. Finally Trevor McGuinn had a clearcut chance as he broke through the tubber defence and when one-on-one with the goalkeeper somehow fired over. It was a lacklustre start by the visitors and they were made to pay towards the end of the first half. Fergal Davey made a good save to divert the ball going into the net but couldn’t do anything about the second effort as the home side’s striker evaded two challenges and slot home into the far corner for 1-0. In the second half a number of substitutions were made and a couple of tactical changes. Trevor McGuinn did the damage as he was moved from midfield to up front. He clinically made it 2-1 with two clinical finishes in the space of 5 minutes. Fergal Davey made a superb treble save to deny the home side while Coolaney’s momentum was disrupted by a litter of substitutions. Alan Farry had the visitors last chance when his run and shot was saved by Tubber’s goalkeeper. In all a decent, if disjointed performance from Coolaney who can take confidence into next week’s league match.
Team: F Davey, B McDermott ( A Toher (T Toolan) ), S Walsh ( I Doherty (G Tansey)), D Ross ( A Walsh), R Tansey, M Marren ( D Doherty (N Taaffe)), A Taaffe (A Farry), T McGuinn (M Toolan), M Rogers (P Gormley) P O Dwyer (B Duggan), A Duggan Subs not used: None
Final Score: 2-1

Friendly V Ballymote (Away)
11am Monday 6th August 07

In a very entertaining game, the first of the new season for Coolaney the score line flatters the home team.
Coolaney togged out with 6 new players from last season and all showed that they will be useful additions to the squad.
The first half ended with Coolaney 3 : 1 down with the goal coming from a tidy finish by Peter O’Dwyer.
The second half was much improved with Coolaneys wide players staying wide, giving the central midfielders time on the ball. There was no sign of the long ball tactics of the first half and this much improved football resulted in Coolaney Utd been encamped in the Ballymote half for long periods of the half. Coolaneys second goal came from Adrian Toher driving from the edge of the box at a Corner.
Team: P Gormley, I Doherty, A Walsh, A Cawley(M Toolan 45'), A Toher, D Doherty, M Marren, M Conlon, M Rogers, P O’Dwyer, B Duggan(J Ellis 75').Subs not used: None
Final Score: 2-6