The final league game of the season for the U14 ladies of Warrenpoint, was the long awaited for re-match against Bredagh played on a cold, blustery evening in Milltown last Wednesday night.
The opening exchanges were well balanced, with both teams having efforts at the posts, but neither able to convert. The gusty wind was certainly having an impact, with several seemingly on target shots, drifting away at the last moment. The Blues finally opened the scoring after almost 10 minutes of play, with a point from Lauren Quinn. A period of dominance for the home team then followed, with goals from Lauren Quinn and Lia Rice and a hand full of points shared between Lauren Quinn, Cliodhna Martin and Erin Carr, giving the Blues a healthy lead. Bredagh kept attacking at every available opportunity, but only had 2 points to show for their first half efforts, thanks to the good work from the back three of Keelia Mulligan, Aimee Kelly and Shannon Doyle, well backed up by Cara Bradley in goal.
The second half followed much the same pattern as the latter part of the first, with Warrenpoint dominating play. Strong running from half backs, Lauren Breen and Muirin Sneddon, the midfield partnership of Lillie McClorey and Lauren Quinn and the ever-busy Sydney Barnett from full forward, kept the Bredagh defensive back lines busy. Despite the dominance, the scores came at a trickle, rather than flood, with just a single goal and a couple of points for the home team, the increasing wind perhaps having a greater impact on the game.
The Warrenpoint defence were keeping firm, tracking the Bredagh runners and limiting space, Tara Heatley in particular, never more than arm’s length from her marker. Bredagh did get a consolation goal inside the final few minutes, from a penalty, but at this stage, the result was never in question. Final score 3-8 to 1-2, in favour of Warrenpoint.
The girls and management team are currently in full swing preparing for their upcoming Championship Semifinal to be played on Sunday 22nd September – best of luck girls!
