Our U15 girls lined out on Sunday against Moyne Villa in the U15 Championship Cup Semi Final. The girls knew there was a huge task ahead against league toppers Moyne Villa as they had faced them in the league only a few weeks previously in which they dominated the game.
The girls starting strong with our back 4 of Saoirse Moran, Lucy Roberts, Keva Hynes and Annalise Doran in flying form from the star, confidently clearing any oncoming chances ensuring goalkeeper Edel Egan was at ease. The midfield of Niamh Kennedy, Eva Molloy, Ailish Molloy and Sinead Rohan covered every inch of the field and were confident in their tackles and passes forward ensuring the forward duo of Grace Mitchell and Libby Kennedy had plenty of ball at their feet all day. The chances kept coming but the defensive unit of Moyne Villa was just too tough to break but the girls kept taking their chances winning countless corners and freekicks all day. Moyne Villa’s opener came on the 10 minute mark when their striker made a dominating run through our defence and there was no stopping her. Ally Nutley was brought on to the defensive efforts and instantly made her mark on the left side of defence. Moyne Villa upped their workrate a gear and grabbed 2 more goals in the first half. An ankle injury to Libby Kennedy rocked the attacking force in the first half but with the presence of Orna McNama coming on for her showed the strength and depth this fantastic squad has and she was determined to make her mark from her first touch with her fantastic runs through the defence. 3-0 at half time
The girls regrouped at half time knowing they had more in the tank and knew they could go up a gear and go for their chances. Libby Kennedy was reintroduced to attack with Orna sitting back into defensive mid and Eva Molloy moving back into the backline. The girls started strong with a chance on goal within 60 seconds but it just ran wide. The girls did not give up. Edel Egan was a stand out star of the day with her fearless goalkeeping and confidence in running out and clearing the ball. The standard of the game just skyrocketed in the 2nd half with every girl playing their heart out and it was a joy to watch. Alma Hynes was introduced into forward as Niamh Kennedy was substituted, well deserved after the amount of work and running she did all day. Alma was an instant impact as she was involved in a movement in attack in her first 60 seconds, a fantastic run by Alma along the left wing was just unlucky not get the volley at goal. A fantastic corner ball by Ailish Molloy floated in to the edge of the box and a waiting Eva Molloy was just unlucky that her volley didnt connect and was blocked down by the Moyne Villa defence. The attacks didn’t stop there with Grace Mitchell unlucky not to get her shot to the back of the net but was a constant threat all day. Grace and Eva should be commended for their fantastic impact in every game as they are still U13 players but that is far from evident on the pitch. The Moyne Villa girls broke forward again and Edel Egan who was on fire all day advanced off her line, blocked the first shot, stood her ground and vlocked the 2nd shot. Due to the force of the shot Edel went off with a head injury to a round of applause by all, everyone including the ref and Moyne Villa management acknowledging her bravery and confidence in goal. Niamh Kennedy stepped in to the goalkeeping role and was just fantastic for the remainder of the game. Lily Mannion was introduced to midfield and was fantastic on the right wing of midfield instantly giving balls forward to Libby Kennedy and Alma Hynes upfront. Player certs were presented to Grace Mitchell and Sinead Rohan who were just phenomenal all day in midfield with their fantastic footwork, tackles and through balls. Match report by Laura Parker
Squad: Edel Egan, Saoirse Moran, Lucy Roberts, Keva Hynes, Annalise Doran, Eva Molloy, Niamh Kennedy, Sinead Rohan, Grace Mitchell, Ailish Molloy, Libby Kennedy, Ally Nutley, Orna McNama, Alma Hynes, Lily Mannion