U13 Girls Match Report.

Holycross 1

Ballymackey 2

Parents, coaches and officials were treated to a thrilling game of football on Tuesday evening as Holycross hosted Ballymackey girls in their first ever 11-a-side at this age level. The bigger pitch and extra players meant both teams had to feel their way into the game and with defences on top for both sides, chances in the first half were at a premium. Holycross were awarded a penalty 10 minutes into the 2nd half for an unfortunate handball. The penalty was expertly converted with Ava O'Rourke in the Ballymackey goal having no chance. This sparked the game into life as Ballymackey chased an equaliser. Good pressure paid off as just 5 minutes later Mioda O'Shea finished a half volley high into the roof of the net following nice build up play from Seonaid McGuigan and Anna Lee.

Solid defensive performances from Shauna Looby and Grace Kilgannon kept the home side at bay as Alannah O'Dwyer, Niamh Kennedy, Hazel ODonovan and Lisa Fitzgearld rotated full back duties. Ailbhe Tracey (captain) and Seonaid McGuigan worked tirelessly in midfield supported on the wings by Grace Quinn, Anna Lee and Aisling Kennedy. Both sides pressed for a winner in normal time but Olivia Looby, Sadhb Connolly and Mioda O'Shea were getting little change up front. Extra time was needed and with light fading, both managers agreed to play just 5 minutes a half instead of the usual 10. Ballymackey started the brighter in extra time with Olivia Looby showing good pace to go clear on goal only to pull her effort just wide as the keeper advanced. No goals then in the first half of extra time. Ballymackey coaches decided to 'go for broke' and sacrificed a center back to go all out for the win in the remaining 5 minutes. The gamble paid off as again good wide play by Seonaid McGuigan resulted in a ball across the 6 yard box which was calmly dispatched by Grace Quinn coming in from the opposite wing. An enormous roar went up from the visiting dug out with this scribe's wife later telling me she thinks she heard me back in Knockalton! There were 2 minutes left and to their great credit Holycross went all out for an equaliser to force a penalty shoot out but the Ballymackey defence held firm. 2-1 the final score and I'm sure plenty of tired legs following playing on the full side pitch. Roll on the semi final!