Charlestown dig deep to complete first round victory
The Charlestown Ladies produced a gutsy display to overcome a strong St. Brigid’s side in difficult conditions in Fr. O’Hara Park Sunday evening. What made the victory even more impressive was the fact that this was the ladies’ first Championship game at Intermediate level after winning last year’s Junior title. Certainly playing in Division 1 this year has added a hardened edge to the team and the many battle’s they have had this year stood to them when the game was in the melting pot.
A Flying Start
Within 60 seconds of the start of the game Charlestown were a goal up through Deirdre Doherty after some accurate and direct build up play. However, this lead didn’t last long as St. Brigid’s fired home a goal of their own minutes later. Indeed these early exchanges were a sign of things to come throughout the game as both sides would trade scores again and again, with neither side able to dominate the other. St. Brigid’s would eventually go in at half time with a slender 2 point lead.
Difficult conditions
Heavy downpours were a feature of the game throughout. Thankfully Charlestown showed that they had learned the lessons of their league defeat vs Kilmovee which was played in similar conditions. On that occasion Charlestown became undone by an over reliance on intricate hand passing moves, ill-suited to the slippery conditions. This time around they were more direct, getting the ball in quicker to the full forward line and keeping their hand passing to a minimum.
At times, however, it seemed like a case of 2 steps forward, 1 step back for Charlestown, as their propensity to hop the ball on the extremely greasy surface time and time again ended many of their most promising attacks.
Goals win games
A single score would separate both sides for most of the second half. It looked likely that whichever team could open up a gap would have enough to hold it until the end. Thankfully it was Charlestown who opened up this gap thanks to a Karena Finn goal increasing Charlestown lead to 4 points. They would hold this lead for most of the rest of game thanks to several Deirdre Doherty free kicks and a rock solid defensive display. The Charlestown back division were extremely well disciplined all day and snuffed out many dangerous looking attacks. Jennifer O’Donnell swept up in front of them brilliantly all day, always being in the right position, cutting out any loose St. Brigid’s passing.
Late Drama
Right at the end of the game St. Brigid’s won and converted a dubious enough looking penalty. Charlestown held their nerve however and were able to see out the game. Charlestown now have two further games in this 4 team round-robin Championship to go and will take great confidence and belief from this game into their next.
It would be difficult to pick out any one individual for direct praise as it was a great team performance more than anything else from the ladies.
