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Narrow win for Greenisland Ladies 2nds

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Clontarf Ladies 2nd XI 1.
Greenisland Ladies 2nd XI 2.

ON Saturday 30th January Greenisland Ladies 2nd XI travelled to Dublin to meet Clontarf Ladies 2nd XI in the third round of the Irish Junior Cup.
The girls were really psyched for this match as they knew a place was beckoning in the quarter finals of this prestigious cup. Manager Peter Brown ensured the team were really warmed up and focused at the start of the game.
The match was up tempo from the whistle and Clontarf Ladies dominated in the first ten minutes of the match winning several penalty corners, one of which was converted to give them the lead. Greenisland responded and began to play their own game and the game became more evenly matched.
Both Audrey Maccorquodale and Norma Montgomery made great play on the left making runs up the pitch and sending the ball into the circle on numerous occasions. Leigh Carlin was outstanding in her sweeper position and backs Ruth Creaney, Karla Hunter and Claire Mayne cleared their lines well. Nearing the half time whistle Greenisland earned three penalty corners but were unable to convert and even the scoring in a very evenly paced game.
After a motivating team talk from coach Karen Elwood and team manager Peter Brown, Greenisland went out with renewed vigor and began to take control of the game with a definite edge on Clontarf. Midfielders captain Eileen Reynolds, Audrey Maccorquodale and Louise Archibald started to thread great passes through to the forwards and had several attacking plays and shots on goal only to be denied by the Clontarf goal keeper.
Ten minutes in, and a lot of pressure in front of goal saw Tara Connor's shot be deflected by the back of a Clontarf stick and Greenisland were awarded a penalty stroke. Tara Connor confidently stepped up and the team held their breath as she executed a perfect flick to the right hand side of the goal. This gave Greenisland the confidence to know they could win this match and the rest of the half was end to end. Both teams wanted to win and it was electrifying to watch.
As the score was even at full time the team went on to the field for extra time knowing the golden goal could win them the match. Although Greenisland dominated most of the play there were three short corners awarded to Clontarf which seemed to be their specialty. Leah Crooks made some superb saves to keep Greenisland in the match. Forward Norma Montgomery worked tirelessly to keep the pressure on and Louise Hunter made some lovely skillful plays into the circle.
In the dying minutes Audrey Maccorquodale made a run up the pitch taking the ball round a couple of players and passed to Tara Connor at the edge of the circle. Tara spun on the ball and shot a superb strike at goal beating the goalkeeper but being denied by the post. Lindsay Anderson was perfectly positioned and hammered the ball into the backboards from the rebound making sure it was Greenisland who clinched the game.
The delighted team, coach, manager and the supporters literally jumped for joy. Greenisland had made the quarter finals a first in the history of the club. They will now meet Dublin club Old Alexander 2nd XI at Carrick Leisure Centre on the 13th February.
A brilliantly umpired match, and as a result the match was played in great sportsmanship spirit. Thanks to the traveling supporters and sponsors who made this a very special day.
Team: Leah Crooks, Leigh Carlin, Karla Hunter, Claire Mayne, Ruth Creaney, Eileen Reynolds, Audrey Maccorquodale, Louise Archibald, Norma Montgomery, Tara Connor, Louise Hunter, Lindsay Anderson, Barbara Webber

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