U13 Girls lose 2-1 to Colga
It was a very cold and grey Sunday morning in Colga FC and the girls were eager to finally get back into action since their last game several weeks back had been cancelled due to referee shortages. It started promptly at 10am and Colga dominated the start of the match. Keeper Honor Tuohy was in top form and managed to make some epic saves throughout the 60mins game time. Defenders Aoife Hynes, Roisin Ruane, Aisling Ruane and Clodagh Flynn earned their place as the Colga strikers put immense pressure on Colemanstown.
Midfielders Sophie Kelly, Liliana King and Leah O Connor ran their socks off trying to pass the ball to strikers Grace Mitchell, Rachel Kennedy and Laoise Maybin but things didn’t go their way as the 1st half was really dominated by Colga. A (questionable) penalty was awarded to Colga but thankfully it didn’t go their way but then a soft goal by Colga gave them the impetus going into the 2nd half.
The management team used Roll-on roll-off subs to maximise play time for the girls every 10mins or so – Chloe Flynn, Shona Barrett up front, Lillie Kirby and Anna Barrett as midfielders.
The 2nd half saw the Colemanstown girls show a little more hunger but alas Colga struck back and scored another goal. An attack on Chloe Flynn winded her for several mins unaware to the ref but a few mins rest and she was back with game face on!
10mins to full time Grace Mitchell offered a lifeline as she found the net helping to boost the girls. However, time ran out as the game petered out leaving the final score 2 – 1 to Colga. Obviously, the girls were a little disappointed but we’ve no doubt they’ll be back next year eager for more. Match Report by Sandra King
U15 Girls win 1-0 vs Knocknacarra
Our U15 Girls put in a pulsating battle against Knocknacarra ‘B’ on Sunday morning in Cappagh Park’s fine community astro pitch. This was more a testament to the girls who certainly weren’t used to playing on astro surface and the expanse of the pitch. One goal was enough for these young ladies in what was a thrilling win and the game proved that it’s not always a goal fest which guarantees that a game of football is a cracker. In truth it could have been much more than the 1 solitary goal if lady luck was on the green side. Aoife Jordan had a phenomenal game and proved to be a thorn in Knocknacarra’s side at centre mid as she anchored the midfield area, often tracking back to help out her defence line of Saoirse Moran, Lucy Roberts, Ally Nutley, Annalise Doran & Keva Hynes. Aoife was not afraid to shoot either but was denied by exceptional goalkeeping or her efforts were just centimetres off target.
Keva Hynes was central in defence where she rarely put a foot wrong showing the true attributes of a natural leader at the back. Niamh Kennedy made sure Colemanstown had the edge for most of the game and always spelled danger as she linked up superbly with the Jordan twins, Orna McNama, Saoirse Cooley & Ailish Molloy showing super footwork in every move.
As the match wore on, Colemanstown found their rhythm and stepped up the pressure and looked as if they could score with each attack. What proved to be the all elusive winner arrived 20mins into the first half as Colemanstown ramped up the pressure once more and penned the opposition back. Saoirse Cooley volleyed towards goal, Knochnacarra defended well but only as far as Niamh Kennedy who made certain on the second ask. Libby Kennedy went close notably from a huge cross from out near the corner flag which curled over the keepers head and missed the top corner by millimetres and Eva Molloy was always a threat. Edel Egan who hadn’t much to do all day became the unsung hero late in the game as she made a superb save late on to deny the hosts the equaliser. A great save to pull off in the cold baltic conditions, and given that she required a hat & additional jersey at half time in a bid to keep warm. This valuable win sees the U15s lie in 2nd place as we enter the Christmas break.