Even as both sides warmed up on the Westside pitch, there was uncertainty as to whether this Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division tie would go ahead, such was the strength of the wind and sheeting rain that lashed all present. Eventually referee Patsy Forde declared the pitch playable, a decision Corrib Rangers will have no complaints about in hindsight after putting together a comprehensive performance which saw them hit the target no fewer than five times.
The elements certainly came into play throughout but the pitch held up well, and Colga, forced to lineout without regulars Gary O’Donnell and Colin Forde amongst others, were just never at the races. Rangers looked lively from the off, despite playing into a gale. It took just until the 12th minute for the city side to open their account. Impressive winger Daniel Small blocked an attempted Colga clearance and sent in a dangerous cross that eventually fell to Ronan Quinlivan, who made no mistake and goaled.
Rangers remained dominant for the rest of the half and on the 33rd minute Quinlivan got his and his side’s second when he was again in the right place to finish after again being set up by another left wing cross, this one sent in by Conor Clery. Colga were disjointed throughout this first period although playmaker Gary Forde was unlucky not to find the target following a probing Rob O’Grady free kick after 20 minutes.
The second half followed the script of the first although Colga did, to their credit. start to press forward a bit more and tried to pass the ball, but never really crafted many clear opportunities. Rangers were happy to protect their lead and counter when given the chance, and ultimately made Colga pay dearly for some sloppy overall play.
Left back Gary Murray, who was faultless throughout, gathered the ball on the 65th minute and saw he had plenty of space in front of him to get forward. That he did before threading a ball into Conor Clery. He shot low but Colga ‘keeper Paul Collins managed to spread himself and save a certain goal, but could only watch helplessly as the ball rebounded to the onrushing Murray who finished coolly to the net.
Things got worse for Colga 11 minutes later when a Rangers’ corner fell to a totally unmarked Ollie Rafferty, who expertly chipped the ball over the crowd in front of him and into the top corner of Collins’ net. The misery was completed for Colga on the 86th minute when Ronan Quinlivan turned provider as he sprinted through the Colga rearguard before setting up substitute Frankie Lawrence, who made no mistake to make it 5-0.
Disappointing stuff from the men from South Galway which will leave manager Dermot Finn knowing serious improvement is needed if they are to avoid relegation. Jonny O’Brien will be delighted with his charges’ efforts, however, especially in such trying circumstances as they move into the top half of the table.
Corrib Rangers: Ryan Griffin, Martin O’Connor, Gerry Murray, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Shane Flaherty, Ollie Rafferty, Ronan Quinlivan, Marky Joyce, Conor Cleary, Lawrence Forde, Daniel Small. Subs: Frankie Lawrence for Forde (72mins ), Neil Rabbitte for Clery (82 mins ).
Colga F. C.: Paul Collins, Marcus Faherty, Darren Kealy, Cathal Connolly, Robert O’Grady, Enda Connolly, Liam Madden, Maurice Finn, Dermot Mullooly, Gary Lynch, Gary Forde. Subs: Conor Higgins for Lynch, Alan Huban for Madden (both 55mins ).
Referee: Patsy Forde.
