Alicia Flannery scored the only goal as Colemanstown ladies edged past Shiven Rovers in soft underfoot conditions in Newbridge yesterday to move up to third in the Ladies senior League sitting just below Corrib Rangers and Corrib Celtic. Alicia’s 65th minute winner was her first goal since her return this season as a player following her management stent last season.
Colemanstown started well with some fine passing play as chances started to arrive through Mary Walsh & Laura Parker but the host’s keeper was well positioned to save well. Teresa Loughnane had a powerful effort 10mins into the first half but her drive thundered off the crossbar. Colemanstown pressed hard in making chances with flashes of great quality while the defence of veteran Fidelma Walsh with her crunching tackles, Kate Kennedy’s sliding tackles on the wet sod, while Aoife Donoghue and Ciara Lally were simply superb in their clearances and deliveries from the back. Colemanstown were the attacking threat all through the first half but found it hard to penetrate an equally solid Shiven Rovers defence. 0-0 Half time.
Shiven improved after the break assisted by the strong breeze and went close only to be denied by Colemanstown’s top form defence line and a keeper operating at the peak of her powers. Alicia Flan went close early in the 2nd half but there was only a few 2nd half chances for the girls in green as Shiven’s defence broke down many Colemanstown attacks orchestrated by Alicia Flannery, Orlaith Hannon, Mary Walsh, Sarah Keane, Lisa Kenny & Amy Kenny.
Orla McCaffrey was called into action twice but performed heroically with two top class saves. Colemanstown did not give up and were rewarded when Alicia took advantage of a loose ball in the area to drive home the all elusive winner to great excitement. The back 4 continued to defend bravely against promising Shiven Rovers attacks. Colemanstown were unable to kill the game off with a second goal as Shiven applied much of the pressure in the closing stages.
Shiven had a decent claim for a penalty after a handball and the female ref Katie wasn’t long pointing to the spot. But keeper Orla McCaffrey’s constant gaze at the young striker for all of the 12 yards and her cartwheels on the goal line successfully spooked the striker who blazed her penalty well wide. McCaffrey has so far kept a clean sheet this season and well worth her €42m signing from Dublin club Wayside Celtic. The game petered out as Colemanstown’s defence stood firm and worthily claimed top points.
Manager Javier was off sunning himself on this occasion while his squad were contending with Storm Jorge. Assistant Miguel must surely be pleased with the way his side battled to eke out the win. He will know there is still room for improvement as this game was a lot closer than it could have been after the ladies excellent first-half performance assisted by the breeze. However, a win is a win and 3 points hard earned in tough conditions are not offered on a platter any day. Well done ladies on a great display.
Congrats also to Catherine Burke of the ladies team and Declan on the birth of their son, Tadhg. A certain future striker for the club, no doubting that!
Squad: Orla McCaffrey, Fidelma Walsh, Kate Kennedy, Aoife Donoghue, Ciara Lally, Alicia Flannery, Orlaith Hannon, Mary Walsh, Sarah Keane, Teresa Loughnane, Laura Parker, Lisa Kenny, Amy Kenny, Amy Monaghan.