Seventh heaven for Conn over struggling Manulla
Conn Rangers remain in second place in the Super League after a big win over Manulla. Picture: Conn Rangers FC
Conn Rangers overcame a young Manulla side in the glorious sunshine of Sunday afternoon last in Carramore.
The North Mayo side barely had to break a sweat as they brushed aside the challenge of Aiden Dunleavy’s men who were missing a number of first team players.
It’s a further knock to the confidence of the blues and leaves them under serious pressure with important games coming up against Kiltimagh/Knock, Crossmolina and Claremorris.
The visitors dominated possession in the early stages without creating any clear cut chances before taking the lead on 24 minutes with a goal of the season contender.
Colm Ruttledge saw his shot from inside the box saved by Kieran Tonra but the rebound was not cleared and was headed back into the penalty area where Darragh Holmes smashed a spectacular bicycle kick to the net.
A minute later the right back almost doubled his tally but his shot from the edge of the box fizzed past the far post.
Padraig Berine had a chance to level matters on 41 minutes when Callan Jennings cross landed at his feet but his shot under pressure from close range went up high and over the bar.
It looked like, despite their dominance, Rangers would bring just a single goal lead into the break before they hit the net twice in quick succession before half-time.
The first came from a counter attack off a Manulla corner. Ruttledge ran the length of the pitch with the ball before squaring to Sean Holmes who tapped in from five yards on 43 minutes.
Two minutes later Darragh Holmes attempt to chip Tonra was pushed away by the goalkeeper but only to the feet of Eoin Prendergast who tapped to the net.
Any hope of a Manulla comeback in the second-half were put to bed after just three minutes when Rangers stretched their lead out to four.
Ruttledge saw a shot from 15 yards tipped wide by Tonra and the resultant corner was turned in at the near post by Mark McMahon.
Things would go from bad to worse for Manulla ten minutes later when AJ McGrath got in on the scoring act, turning in a low cross from Mikey McHale to leave Manulla fearing a repeat of their recent home drubbing at the hands of Castlebar Celtic.
Unlike a fortnight ago the home side managed to get on the scoresheet on this occasion. Padraig Berine winning and scoring a penalty on 74 minutes to give his side something to cheer about.
The good feeling wouldn’t last long, however, as Conn went in search of a sixth goal. Somehow between the 79th and 83rd minute they wasted four excellent goal chances before finally hitting the net on 85 minutes through Sean Holmes.
The icing on the cake came four minutes later when Prendergast provided the assist for Caolan Hopkins.
Rangers move into second place in the Super League table but Manulla are left looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.
