Gallant Ladies brought back to earth

Our Ladies team were emphatically brought back down to earth by an impressive Corrib Rangers team in their first home game of the season this evening. Our ladies were on a high after their impressive 2-1 win over the same side only 2 weeks ago and the home supporters turned out in big numbers as they hoped that win was a sign of good things to come. Although our ladies matched Corrib Rangers for large patches of the game, unfortunately for them, reality came calling and the city side were certainly not in the mood for handing out any flower bouquets particularly in the 2nd half when they pulled away.

Colemanstown fought hard and tough and gave an honest evening’s toil but the city side got on top in almost every department as the game wore on. Corrib Rangers experience paid dividends in the end, but hats off to our gallant ladies who are in their first year’s revival and didn’t throw in the towel at any stage. Colemanstown got off to the best possible start after 7 mins when the hard working and pacey Mary Walsh was taken down in the box and up stepped Orlaith Hannon who made a mighty job of the peno to put Colemanstown in the driving seat. The visitors had a few chances but were unable to find the net as Orla McCaffrey had all angles covered in goals. Colemanstown had a glorious chance to extend the lead on 25mins when Catherine Burke’s delivery over the top was collected by Mary Walsh and she showed some fancy footwork and great pace but bulleted her effort wide. Corrib Rangers followed up with a superb opportunity down the other end as a splendid diving header failed to bother Orla McCaffrey in goal. Orla McCaffrey made a solid fetch of a well taken free by the visitors No. 10 from out near the stand side of the field just on the brink of half time to leave Colemanstown 1-0 to the good at the break.

The 2nd half was only seconds old when the ould guard restored parity as a mix up in Colemanstown’s defense  saw their striker nip in and although Orla got her hand to it, the ball found the net as it took a deflection off the post on its way. Rangers had a chance to take the lead 2mins later as a defence splitting pass was sent through but No. 10 squandered the opportunity. Orla McCaffrey had to be quick to advance off her line on a few occasions to gather the ball as the play looked dangerous for our ladies. As play progressed Corrib Rangers settled more into the game and their 2nd goal arrived 6mins after the break; originated from a throw ball and finished by No. 6 who was unmarked on the edge of the box. Teresa Loughnane was fouled in the middle of the park but Orlaith Hannon’s effort was off target although there was power behind the shot. Alicia Flan then made a few changes as Teresa Loughnane took up the reign as keeper with Orla McCaffrey filling the centre back position. Corrib Rangers’ No. 3 scored a fortuitous goal for the visitors as a high lobbing ball was sent in from an acute angle out near the sideline and it evaded Teresa in goals. Corrib Rangers were home and dry at this stage during this golden phase for them but our ladies played for pride as Orla Hannon, Catherine Burke, Mary Walsh & Shauna Ward did their damdest to penetrate a solid Rangers defence line. Corrib got one more to put the final nail on a Colemanstown fightback and although the shot took a deflection off the post and into the safety of Teresa Loughnane’s hands, she was deemed to be behind the goal line and the ref immediately pointed to the centre spot. 4-1 it finished to Corrib Rangers but our ladies can redeem themselves again this Saturday when they take on Cregmore/ Claregalway at home on Saturday evening. 7pm KO.

Squad: Orla McCaffrey, Aoibhinn Screene, Laura Parker, Shauna Ward, Ciara Lally, Niamh Flannery, Orlaith Hannon, Teresa Loughnane, Lisa Kenny, Mary Walsh, Catherine Burke, Amy Kenny, Niamh Nolan, Ciara Naughton, Niamh Raftery.