Re-live the U12 girls debut match from yesterday thanks to Zoe Kennedy. With team tactics done and dusted an excited bunch of girls stepped onto Barna FC pitch yesterday afternoon to play their debut match in the U12 league. This was an exciting moment for both players and coaches given the fact that it was the first time in over 13 years that ColemanstownFC had fielded a competitive girls team. We were all feeling the nerves!
Colemanstown had a great start with Annalise Doran driving the ball up field with Colemanstown’s first attempt on goal but unfortunately it was saved by the Barna goalkeeper.
Barna got stuck in but could not find a way through the Colemanstown resolute defence. Aoife Hynes, Lucy Roberts and Ashing Ruane worked extremely hard keeping the Barna strikers from scoring, skilfully winning the ball each time and sending it back down the pitch. Honor Tuohy had a fairly quiet first half in goals!
Colemanstown’s first goal was a blinder by Libby Kennedy who after stealing the ball off a defender, turned and buried it into the net.
In the 21st minute Aoife Hynes stopped a potential Barna goal through super defensive work, winning the ball back and passing it to Ally Nutley who cleared it further from danger to Grace Mitchell. Super teamwork by the girls! Anna Barrett and Ally Nutley really made the Barna girls do all the legwork with some lovely passages of play and forcing the ball up the field.
In the 27th minute it was Shona Barrett’s turn for glory. After spotting a loose ball she quickly took it, dribbled towards goal, danced around the defenders as she kept the ball close to her feet. With a powerful left foot she booted to the net.
When the ref blew for half time Colemanstown were 2-0 up.
The second half started slower for Colemanstown with Barna driving the ball to our end of the pitch and tested the defensive skills of Rachel Kennedy, Lucy Roberts and Honor Tuohy. They were fierce determined but unfortunately Barna found a way through and scored their only goal of the match. Honor Tuohy quickly stopped a 2nd attempt on goal that looked like it was surely going to go in! Credit must go to the Barna girls who came out strong in the second half before scoring.
Colemanstown’s attempts on goal came fast and furious from Libby Kennedy and Shona Barrett but they went just off target each time.
Grace Mitchell made a fantastic attempt on goal which surely would have put us 3-1 up if it wasn’t for an equally super save by the Barna goalie! Barna were determined to score but were skilfully kept at bay by a great defensive trio -Ally Nutley, Rachel Kennedy and Lucy Roberts who were just as determined not to let them anywhere near the Colemanstown goal!
Barna almost scored their second goal but a magnificent save by Ashling Ruane meant they would just have to be happy with their solitary goal. Eva Molloy put in a really impressive performance with great footwork skills that kept the ball away from the Barna girls who just couldn’t find a way to rob the ball off her. Anna Barrett also put in maximum effort with some fine deliveries.
Colemanstown’s 3rd goal was a brilliant piece of teamwork between Eva Molloy and Grace Mitchell which ended when Eva skilfully dribbled around the defenders and drove a blinder to the net. The fourth was tapped in by Shona Barrett. Luckily the goalie, who got her hands to the ball, fumbled it and the ball rolled past her into the net!
Both teams should be congratulated for an enjoyable game of football played in good spirit. Full time score Colemanstown 4 Barna 1. Thanks also to Zoe Kennedy and assistant Tara Roberts who were also buzzing along with the girls. Super result girls. Next outing for these girls is a home game next Saturday against Knocknacarra KO 10.30