Our U12 Ladies returned to football this week after a short holiday break with a home game versus Mayobridge in St Mark’s on Wednesday evening (18th July). Mayobridge are no strangers to competitive games and this encounter did not disappoint!
Despite both teams having key players missing due to holiday, an enthralling match was served in spades. Millie Power-Bagnelle was between the post for the Blues in the first half and was kept busy from the outset, pulling off a great save in the opening minute of the game. Mayobridge, with the sun on their backs, created chance after chance but our defensive line of Megan O’Neill, Lauran Caldwell and Cliodhna Martin didn’t fold under the constant pressure. Our half back line also defended well pushing forward at every opportunity. Iva-Sara Ivanov, who has made tremendous progress in recent weeks, made an outstanding catch midway through the first half. Lauren Breen and Lillie McClorey, the other two half-backs, played with heart and determination.
Despite all their hard work, the young girls in blue trailed by two points at half time. Following a stern half time talk, all players awoke in the second half with Emma Ryan producing an excellent goal-bound shot only to be denied by the right hand of the Mayobridge goalie with an ace save. Our forwards kept working away and were rewarded when Cliodhna Martin scored a super goal following a strategic decision to move from full forward. Sydney Barnett made some great runs in the half-forward line showing strong defensive qualities with great blocks. The full forward line, consisting of Caoimhe Sneddon, Shaena McBurney and Katie Poland showed great character with a never-give-up attitude, Caoimhe, who is still U10, was rewarded with two excellent points.
Unfortunately, our efforts did not convert to scores, resulting in a narrow defeat. Overall, it was a highly entertaining game excellently refereed by our own Miceal Moore. Thanks to Mayobridge management and players for a very sporting contest.
