Two goals in the last 10 minutes saw Corrib Rangers pick up an unlikely point in a game played in terrible conditions on Sunday morning in Tuam.
The away side started the more lively and after Ronan Quilivan had a good chance easily saved by Charlie Ward, they were awarded a penalty just 10 minutes into the game. Blues’ Colin Quinn was robbed in the left corner by Mark Joyce, who whipped in a great cross and right back Keith Fleming handled the ball, leaving ref Colman Brady with no option but to award a spot kick.
Quilivan struck his shot well but Charlie Ward dived full length to his right to tip the ball around the post. It was an outstanding save. From the ensuing corner the ball skimmed off the head of Vinny Carton and hit the crossbar before being cleared to safety.
After the early pressure the home side started to get on top, thanks mainly to the dominance of the home defence, where Ger Kelly was outstanding.
A Colin Quinn corner found the head of Paul Kavanagh but his header was cleared off the line by Brian O Holleran.
With 10 minutes left to the break the deadlock was finally broken by Dynamo Blues. Ger Kelly’s free kick evaded the Rangers’ defence and found Franny Fallon waiting at the back post. He unselfishly squared the ball for Johnny Farragher who tapped into the empty net.
Blues had the perfect start to the second half, doubling their lead within a minute of the kick off. Paul Kavanagh found himself through on Ryan Griffin but the ‘keeper forced him wide where he found Johnny Farragher and his shot from an acute angle found the Rangers’ net.
With the aid of the elements, the city side went in search of a way back into the game. On the hour mark they had the perfect chance when Conor Clery outpaced the Blues defence but his point blank save was brilliantly saved by the alert Ward.
Chances were being created at both ends and Blues had the perfect chance to put the result beyond doubt midway through the half. Johnny Farragher was put through on goal and with the hat trick beckoning, he squared the ball for Kavanagh. However he in turn delayed his shot and, while he had a great penalty appeal waved away, he really should have scored.
With 80 minutes on the clock, Kevin Fitzpatrick swung in a corner and Martin O’Connor stabbed the ball home at the near post. This gave Corrib Rangers hope and they pushed forward at every chance. Their equaliser came from an unlikely source, a mistake by the otherwise solid Charlie Ward.
Once again Kevin Fitzpatrick swung in a corner kick which Ward tried to punch clear. However he failed to make a clear connection and the ball landed on the head of Neil Rabbitte, who headed home.
Dynamo Blues: Charlie Ward, Keith Fleming, Mike Ward, Johnny Trayers, Ger Kelly, Vinny Carton, Jamie Murphy, Franny Fallon, Colin Quinn, Johnny Farragher, Paul Kavanagh. Subs used: Dean Fallon for Colin Quinn, Darren Kelly for Paul Kavanagh (inj ).
Corrib Rangers: Ryan Griffin, Brian O’Halloran, Jason Smith, Martin O’Connor, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Neil Rabbitte, Ollie Rafferty, Ronan Quilivan, Mark Joyce, Lawrence Forde, Daniel Small. Subs used: Conor Clery for Lawrence Forde (inj ), Martin O’Connell for Daniel Small, Shane O’Flaherty for Mark Joyce.
Referee: Colman Brady.
