A stirring second half display from Charlestown saw them get over the line in a tough, physical encounter against a determined Castlebar Mitchels team early Sunday morning in Round 2 of the league.
A really sluggish start saw Charlestown 0-3 to 0-0 down at the first water break. After that break they started to slowly work their way into the game. First step was to try and match Castlebar’s aggression and desire, some big hits were going in on both sides with no quarter asked or given; the game, at times, more reminiscent of a wrestling match than a football game. By half time the scoreline stood at 0-4 to 0-2 in favour of Castlebar.
A notable breeze was blowing in Charlestown faces in the first half and certainly having it at their backs in the second was to be a help. In spite of this the game remained tight after the break. A large amount of possession was spoiled by some poor hand and kick passes that saw the majority of Charlestown attacks break down around the opposition’s 45. A couple of inspirational points from defenders Clodagh Murphy and Nora McGovern showed what Charlestown are capable of when the passes stick. Both points came from flowing moves that started deep in their own defence, each ending in the raising of the white flag at the other end. The speed of their transition and the amount of hands the ball passed through were impressive.
The introduction of Karena Finn for the final quarter, along with Nora McGovern’s move to the middle proved the key to unlocking Charlestown’s full potential. Finn made several key interceptions around the middle of the field, was calm in possession, and added a level of strength and physicality that Charlestown were in need of. There was a real sense that the momentum was shifting in Charlestown’s favour.
Charlestown then fashioned 3 almost identical scores in the space of 5 minutes that were to prove decisive. A turnover in the middle of the field followed by some good interplay down the left, patiently worked across the field to McGovern out wide on the right who slotted the ball over the bar, each one further out than the last.
With about 5 minutes on the clock Charlestown now led by 0-10 to 0-7. There was one last swing in momentum with Castlebar going in search of a goal that would rescue them. However, the Charlestown rearguard held tight, and in spite of a late yellow card for McGovern they held out for a deserved victory.
3 things we learned:
1. Charlestown need to learn quickly not to bring the ball into contact against physically bigger teams. To Castlebar’s credit they completely dominated the physical battle today. They won most 50/50’s and completely shut down any attempts by Charlestown players to burst through the tackle. Its probably fair to say that today’s referee allowed a much more physical game develop than you would normally see, which suited Castlebar more, but it wont be the last time Charlestown meet a more physically dominant team and they need to be smarter entering into the tackle area.
2. Experience wins you tight games. When the game was in the melting pot, the likes of Jennifer O’Donnell, Clodagh Murphy, Nora McGovern, Karena Finn and Kellee Crean stood up. These ladies have soldiered with Charlestown for many years and their know-how of how to win a tight game, that could have gone either way, was probably the deciding factor today.
3. Winning is a habit. 2 from 2 for Charlestown now, a tough game like this will stand to them much more than last week’s facile victory over Kilmovee. There’s no getting around it though, when you look at the league table, Charlestown have played the 2 weakest teams in the league. Up next however is St. Brigid’s, the team in third place, and Charlestown will need to get to another level again to keep this winning run going.
Player of the game:
Hard to look past Nora McGovern this week. Grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and dragged Charlestown across the line in this one. Real leadership. She was a part of a defensive unit that gave almost nothing away all day. The full back line of Jennifer O’Donnell, Elisha Duffy and McGovern were in excellent form, all three didn’t put a foot wrong all day. Also worth noting Charlestown’s goalkeeper Sophie Johnston getting a second clean sheet in a row.
Some Stats From the Game:
Kick Outs:
Charlestown Kickouts: Won: 5 – Lost: 5 – 50% win ratio
Of Castlebar’s Kickouts: Charlestown Won: 2 – Lost: 9 – 18% win ratio
Frees:
1 Free attempted, 1 converted – 100% conversion ratio
Charlestown Wides From Play: 6
Charlestown shots dropped short into goalies hands: 3
Overall Scoring Percentage: 10/19 = 52%
