Everything about our Ladies league affair with Corrib Rangers on Sunday was chaotic from battling through Galway city traffic to squaring up to one of the best teams in the league, current table toppers and tough conditions also to contend with. The home side made the most of the wind advantage in the 1st half as they pressed hard up top but our back four were steadfast until 10mins in when they were rocked as the ref awarded a dubious penalty to Corrib Rangers. Ashley Roberts made an amazing save and had to be quick onto her feet again to pull off another fine stop from the rebound – the save of the season thus far for sure. Ciara Lally, Claire Keane, Aoife Donoghue & Jessica Doherty defended resolutely for the next 20mins until a little miscommunication and mis-control at the back saw a bouncing ball elude everyone & the Corrib Rangers striker nipped in to slam home from close range.
Almost immediately Claire Keane was substituted with a muscle injury and such was her absence at the back that the floodgates opened. Rangers pinned 4 goals in a 5min blitz; none of which Ashley Roberts could do anything about. Colemanstown created some chances in the 1st half but amounted to little. It was sweet music & a reprieve to hear the half time whistle. After a brief chat at half time, the ladies came out buzzing as this is the kinda steel these ladies are made from. Just get on with it… hammering or no hammering… The 2nd half was a totally different affair. With the wind to their backs the ladies pressed hard and made a great 2nd half contest. Issa Harun had a few efforts at goal but the custodian was well alert. Try as they might, they just couldn’t score but it was a splendid 2nd half performance in an equally contested second period. There will be more competitive games ahead. It’s never too easy when taking on the top team in the league. Well done ladies on a great show.
Squad: Ashley Roberts, Ciara Lally, Claire Keane, Aoife Donoghue, Jessica Doherty, Issa Harun, Katie Williams, Rachel O’Brien, Leanne Devlin, Chloe Gill, Rebecca Clancy, Katie Delaney, Claire Hannon