Clontarf Ladies 2nd XI 1
Greenisland Ladies 2nd XI 2
Sat 30th January 2010
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
