Saturday saw NUIG claim a fine scalp in their evolving quest to solidify Premier status, deservedly turning over Corrib Rangers on their home turf in as entertaining a game as one could hope for in Westside.
The platform for a livey contest was firmly established by the sixth minute as Rangers pushed a goal up. Neat interplay on the edge of the area allowed for Lawrence Forde to be sent through on goal. His confident chip made its way comfortably past Johnny Burke in the College goal.
The lead lasted little over two minutes as Tristan Ryder, who epitomised everything good about his growing side, raced down the right. After skilfully negotiating his way around the full-back he fizzed in a superb cross that invited an easy steer to the back of the net, a touch classy winger Michael Creane duly provided.
One apiece after eight minutes, the game continued in this open vein throughout the 90. College played attractive football while remaining more than competitive in the middle, whereas Rangers always possessed quality up front and industry behind the front men.
Chances were sparsely dispersed, the final ball particularly eluding Tom French’s side. Sharpshooter Conor Clery had a free header inside the six-yard box on 15 minutes only to nod wide. At the other end Richie Byrne danced free on the right and fired a low shot that ‘keeper Ryan Griffin just about dealt with.
Nevertheless they completed the turnaround soon after. An untimely slip by Rangers defender Shane Flaherty allowed his cousin Derek Flaherty to race through on goal. He took a heavy touch past goalie Griffin who, after committing, was forced to upend the forward in the area. The award of the penalty was as sure as Michael Creane’s spot kick finish on 31 minutes.
Trailing at half time, it could have been worse for Rangers as a wonder strike from Ryder before the whistle could only be denied by the bar. They responded admirably after the break, playing high up the park and making a pair of substitutions. Ronan Quinlivan had a header helped off the line by his opposite number Richie Byrne 10 minutes in.
The attacking forays of the home team left their rearguard exposed, particularly as they played deep in their own territory. The wide men wreaked havoc on the flanks on occasion, Creane particularly a threat as he chased a hat-trick. The insurance goal should have come from such an attack on 66 minutes as Byrne scampered free on the right. His cross was met by striker Chris Monaghan who, with time on his hands 12 yards out, nudged the ball feebly wide.
Within five minutes the home team were on terms, an outcome that had been looking more likely. Daniel Small drifted a classy ball over the College defence and Conor Clery provided a great finish over the head of the onrushing custodian. We had all the ingredients for a fine finish.
This is what striker Flaherty provided for College only two minutes later. Michael Creane came in unchallenged from the left. Fixing the defence, he released his team mate who checked towards goal and pulled the ball back in to the bottom right hand corner with a measured left foot.
The response mirrored almost exactly that of the first and was testament to the character and quality of the College side which was the most striking aspect of the encounter. True to form also were their opponents, who battled gamely for an equaliser, their task being made that much easier with the dismissal of goal scorer Flaherty who incurred a red card on 78 minutes.
It was to prove immaterial as NUIG survived the onslaught and penalty shouts with composure and steel from a back four that became more assured as time drew on. Their win and performance suggests a more positive second half to the season while Rangers will undoubtedly see the result and concession of the goals and chances as room for improvement.
Corrib Rangers: R Griffin; M O’Connor (B O’Halloran 45 ), S Flaherty, K Fitzpatrick, G Murray; R Quinlivan, O Rafferty, M Joyce (N Rabbitte 45 ), D Small (J Smith 81 ); C Clery, L Forde.
NUIG: J Burke; R Moloney, E Murphy, J Hynes, S Gunnigle (W Geoghegan 90 ); R Byrne (V Carrigan 85 ), P McDaid, T Ryder, M Creane; C Monaghan (J Lavin 77 ), D Flaherty.
Referee: John Doyle.
