Match Reports
Senior Women Premier Division
Lakewood Rangers 5
Riverstown FC 2
In the first half one could be mistaken for thinking that it was Riverstown who were the reigning champions as they completely outplayed their illustrious opposition. With the O’Callaghan sisters, Ann Marie and Michelle running both wings, they bombarded Lakewood from both sides and it was an excellent cross from Ann Marie that led to the opening goal when Louise O’Dowda met it first time and volleyed into the bottom right hand corner. Unfortunately all their good play was negated when they gave away a sloppy goal.Uncertainty in defence allowed a simple cross that was met unchallenged at the back post. But the girls continued to dominate play and were awarded a penalty with ten minutes of the first half remaining following a hand ball in the box. Megan Spillane made no mistake from the spot. But just on the stroke of half time another scramble in the Riverstown box was not cleared and Lakewood toe poked home the equaliser. It was rough justice for the girls who were totally on top in that half. Lakewood found that edge in the second half and when they took the lead, then it was always going to be hard for the Riverstown girls as they chased the game. It looked like it was going to end on a 3 – 2 scoreline but tired legs found it hard to keep with the pace and Lakewood hit two late goals to win 5 – 2. The scoreline was no reflection on Riverstown’s performance but they will just have to learn to keep that concentration for the 90 minutes.
Team: Rachel Mullins, Emma Coughlan, Jenny White (Capt), Louise Daly, Megan Spillane, Louise O’Dowda, Michelle O’Callaghan, Niamh Cooke, Ann Marie O’Callaghan, Michelle Hourihan, Katie O’Sullivan. Subs: Aisling Whooley for Michelle O’Callaghan (50), Martina Conlon for Hourihan (60), Breda Power for O’Sullivan (75).