In what was going to prove to be a tough battle occurred this evening between two equally determined sides vying for a place in the semi-final. Charlestown U14 ladies played away to a Division 2 Aghamore side with a 6:45pm throw in on a sunny evening just fitting for a fine display of football.
From throw- in Charlestown had the advantage with a pass from Leeane Duffy to Laoise Harkin who pointed the first score of the match. Five minutes into the game with play, good passing between Laura Dooney, Eva Walsh and Hannah Morrisroe failed to gain another score as Aghamore were awarded a free and played the ball down the field into Charlestowns half, went for point and was kicked wide. One minute later, Aghamore were unfortunate in again kicking a point wide .
From the kick out, Charlestown attempted to make their way up the field but were blocked in their path by the strong centre backs of Aghamore which resilted in Aghamore squeezing a goal past Charlestown goalie Sophie Johnston leaving the score 1-0 to 0-1 in Aghamores favour. Another free for Aghamore six minutes later resulted in another point for the Aghamore side.
At this stage in the game, Aghamore held most possession but conceded two more wides from play. Another opportune goal for Aghamore wasnt to be as the eagle eyed Sophie Johnston stood firm and blocked it with Shona Mahon getting rid of ball. Twenty minutes into the game, excellent play from Leeanne Duffy and Molly Beirne seen the ball to Claire Coleman who netted the first goal of the game for Charlestown bringing score to C’town 1-1 A’more 1-0.
At this point Charlestown missed out on a three point lead due to wides. Hannah Morrisroe won some Aghamore kickouts but was blocked at every turn by the Aghamore ladies. A great display of defence was shown by Anna McArdle alongside Ailbe O Connor and Tara McGuinness who worked together to obstruct the strong Aghamore forwards from going for gold.
Eva Walsh also had a good game, carrying the ball at several intervals in the game. Not long before half time whistle, Aghamore scored another goal from a sneaky low ground ball and shortly after this followed with another goal from Aghamore bringing score to A’more 3-1 C’town 1-1. Hannah Morrisroe blocked a potential fourth goal much to the relief of the Charlestown ladies and spectators. With only five minutes to go, Aghamore put Charleestown to the pin of their collar with another goal leaving a half time score of A’more 4-1 C’town 1-2 when Emily Quinn scored a point just before ref called half time.
After a team talk at half time with Tom Mc, Sandra and Richella, the Charlestown girls went back on the field with a determination and fire that had to be seen to be believed. From throw in, Leanne Duffy carried the ball up the field with a short pass to Clare coleman who delivered by scoring the first point of the second half. Next we had strong play from Laura Loftus, Eva Walsh, Emma Morley which led to a goal from Leanne Duffy bringing narrowing the gap. A free awarded to Leanne Duffy brought another point, followed by a point from Emma Morley.
A decision to place Amy Mahon outfield instead of her normal position as goalie proved wise as Amy scored a goal to bring the sides level. Subsequently, another point followed from Leanne Duffy. Next it lookd like Aghamore were back in action when they progressed up the field quickly, but were held well by Ailbe, Tara and Anna and their determination ensured an Aghamore wide. Another free awarded to Charlestown taken by Laoise Harkin, passed to Molly Beirne who kicked it easily over the bar for another point.
With Charlestown at this stage with a two point advantage, it was all to play for when Laoise Harkin scored a point set up by Amy Mahon. Another free awarded to Charlestown resulted in another point scored by Laoise Harkin. This followed by a point from Emily Quinn leaving Charlestown in the lead by six points. Molly Beirne brought the lead to seven points and another point from Leanne Duffy left score at C’town 3-12 A’more 4-1.
Play in the second half was dominated by Charlestown and another point was put across by Molly Beirne who was fisted the ball by Laura Loftus. Hannah Morrisroe gained control from an Aghamore kickout but a foul resulted in a a free being awarded to Aghamore and despite Charlestowns valiant efforts, Aghamore scored a goal in a last ditch attempt to narrow the score. But it wasnt to be for Aghamore as the final whistle was blown Charlestown had won the hard fought battle. Final Score : Charlestown 3-12 Aghamore 6-1
S.Johnston (Goalkeeper) Anna McArdle, Ailbe O Connor, Tara McGuinness, Laura Dooney, Eva Walsh, Laura Loftus, Laoise Harkin (3pts), Hannah Morrisroe, Emily Quinn (1pt), Leanne Duffy (1-3), Clare Coleman (1-1), Emma Morley (1pt), Shona Mahon (C), Molly Beirne (3pts) Amy Mahon (1-0), Erica O Connor, Holly McHale.
Reporter: Sinead Harkin
