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On Saturday 28 November, Greenisland 1st XI took on free scoring and top of the table Portadown. This was always going to be a fast paced match and so it turned out to be. In the early stages the teams jostled for dominance. Gradually Greenisland started to edge the play and also break-up the Portadown passing game. Carly Ann Bennett used her pace to force the Portadown defence into retreat. The midfield of Gillian Kane, Emma Kirkpatrick and Jenny Henry worked tirelessly to maintain the pressure that Greenisland were slowly building. Jenny Winning distributed the ball superbly and caused Portadown to chase the game. Eventually Greenisland were awarded a series of penalty corners but could not convert any.
As the game progressed, Portadown counter attacked and had a couple of shots but the excellent Ruth Hewitt was up to the task in the Greenisland net. Each side now cancelled the other out and the game was 0-0 at half time.
A few words by Coach Mark Webber and a subtle tactical change had Greenisland ready for the second half. As the half progressed Jasmine Patterson and Cheryl McCracken started to dominate in midfield and released the ball to the forwards. Penny Brown displayed nice touches which forced the Portadown defence to double-mark her. This released Erin McMaw on the right wing to make storming runs towards the circle. Eventually a switch in play down the left found Nikki Cairns who beat three Portadown defenders along the back line and pulled the ball back for Jenny Henry to lift it past the Portadown keeper to open the scoring.
This stirred Portadown into attack and excellent defensive work by Jacqueline Adamson, Karla Hunter and Naomi Deering kept cool heads and Portadown at bay. Portadown did win several penalty corners but again the defence held strong. Dawn Montgomery then made several runs down the left wing to relieve the pressure. Greenisland now went on the attack and Nikki Cairns picked the ball up on the right of the circle, turned and drove across and with a reverse stick shot slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. Greenisland now led 2-0.
As time marched on Kathryn Smiley entered the fray and her speed and movement kept the Portadown defence thinking in the final minutes. The final whistle arrived. This was an excellent result and the win for Greenisland puts their league campaign back on track. The whole squad was superb in their effort and intensity in this match. Thanks must go also to umpire Alyson Douglas and club sponsor Glenmorne consultants.
Next week the team is off to Cork to play Ashton Ladies in the third round of the Irish Trophy. Success away to Cork will continue this season’s unbroken Trophy run and see the Club progress further than ever in an all-Ireland competition. Greenisland Ladies are indebted to Eden Car Sales who have generously sponsored the tie and to GWMSC for their continued support.
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| 30-Nov-2009 17:56 | |||||||||||||