Colemanstown Ladies 2 – Shiven Rovers 3

Our ladies will be disappointed at failing to grab at least a point from their league game against Shiven Rovers played in Newbridge under lights last night. The grounds were complimented by the jaw-dropping full orange moon which helped to light up the night sky in Newbridge. It may have been the moon or not….. but our ladies got off to a mighty start making the most of the expanse of the pitch as both wingers Amy Monaghan & Sarah Keane moved the ball up the flanks well while Ciara Lally, Katie Delaney, Aoife Donoghue & Laura Parker physically stood up to the opposition and made some good last ditch challenges.  On 10mins Sarah Keane on the right switched play across to Amy Monaghan on the left who found the ever reliable Catherine Burke who drilled her effort low and hard into the bottom right corner. Catherine never lost her habit of finding the net. Theresa Loughnane had a chance to capitalise after a good build up involving Alicia Flannery & Mary Walsh but her effort tailed wide from the minute it left her boot. Orla McCaffrey made 2 good stops on the trot.… it’s better this lady is getting as time goes on…

On 25mins Shiven equalised after good play through the middle when their striker latched onto a 50/50 ball, had the legs on the Colemanstown defence, found herself one-on-one with the keeper and placed the ball perfectly inside the right hand post well out of the range of Orla McCaffrey’s diving body.  The goal kick started Shiven Rovers as they confined players more to the centre and sucked the Colemanstown ladies into the middle of the field giving Teresa Loughnane & Alicia Flannery more of the action. Shiven had another good effort soon after when their striker again found herself one-on-one with McCaffrey who showed great athleticism, reflexes and reaction to pull off a brilliant one handed save. Shiven’s period of dominance was rewarded again after a long delivery was finished well to put the hosts 2-1 up. Just before the break, the pacey Mary Walsh who was well marshalled for this game was fouled and Sarah Keane was off target with the resultant free kick. 2-1 Half Time.

The 2nd half was only 3mins old when Ciara Lally for once was beat, was adjudged to have fouled her player although play continued on as the ball was teed across the box with Shiven getting a boot to it but Orla McCaffrey made a good stop with her feet and Ned pulled up play and pointed to the penalty spot. Despite the best pleas in the world, Ned wasn’t going to change his mind. The penalty was some strike… low, hard and powerful despite McCaffrey’s best antics to out psych the penalty taker. Ciara Naughton made an impact on her introduction in the 2nd half as she got stuck in and hassled & harried for every ball. Amy Monaghan & Catherine Burke linked up well and as Catherine beat two defenders she was pulled back and Ned awarded his 2nd penalty of the night 19mins into the half. In true Catherine Burke style she dispatched the ball calmly to the far right of the keeper. Game back on ….  Play was stopped to attend to Alicia Flannery who was floored with cramp such was the intensity of the game… at least there were 2 physios on the field of play to help out as Ciara Naughton took command. At this stage Helen Cullinane helped to steady things up at the back. Catherine Burke had a chance when Alicia Flannery originated the move and again Amy Monaghan did the donkey work to find Catherine Burke but her effort was hit straight at the keeper. Orla McCaffrey was quick off her line to make another good stop with her feet while Ciara Lally showed great awareness back on the goal line to clear a certain goal. An interception late on first by Aoife Donoghue & then by Grace Bernotaite at the back was vital as Colemanstown threw everything at it for the last 10 mins. The last chance for the equaliser fell to Ciara Naughton as Amy Kenny’s delivery found her in limited space but her effort was comfortable for the keeper.  In the end time ran out on a gallant side in their bid to get off the mark in the league. Colemanstown 2; Shiven Rovers 3

Squad: Orla McCaffrey, Ciara Lally, Kate Delaney, Aoife Donoghue, Laura Parker, Amy Monaghan, Theresa Loughnane, Alicia Flannery, Sarah Keane, Mary Walsh, Catherine Burke, Helen Cullinane, Amy Kenny, Grace Bernotaite, Kate Williams; Ciara Naughton, Marta Cerezo.