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SUZUKI
NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO CAPPAGH, CO.KILDARE
WEXFORD 2-8 DOWN 4-7
The Down Ladies team got their National League
campaign back on track with a convincing five point
win over Wexford. Travelling to Cappagh, Co.Kildare,
the Down girls showed their intentions early on as
Michaela Downey slotted home a goal and point in the
first few minutes. Wexford quickly responded with a
goal to get back into the game. While Down had most
of the possession in the half, the teams continued
to trade points, going into the changing rooms level
at 1-5 each. Wexford replicated Down’s first half
start with a goal straight from the throw in. They
failed to build on the score however as the Down
forwards restored the equilibrium and then proceeded
to stretch away from Wexford. While the scores came
quick and fast from forwards, Lyndsey Cunningham and
Aileen Pyers, the foundation for the plays came from
a solid back unit, whose workrate was superior
across the back line. Kerry O’Neill, making her
starting debut at corner back was particularly
impressive. The excellent high catching from Karen
Gribben at no.12 and midfielder Michaela Downey
(1-1) was also a plus for the mourne girls. While
Annaclone player Aileen Pyers (2-3), continued the
high scoring which has characterized her play all
season, the pick of the scores came from Kyla
Trainor (1-1) who made a great run through the heart
of the Wexford defence before firing a peach of a
shot into the top corner from 20 yards, giving the
Wexford keeper no chance. Further scores from
Lyndsey Cunningham (0-2) saw the scoreline move
further in Down’s favour, though in reality the game
as a contest was over long before the referee’s
whistle blew for full time. Final score Wexford
2-8, Down 4-7. A five point victory for the Down
side in the end, which could and perhaps should have
been more. But the most pleasing aspect for the
county management will have been the superior
workrate displayed by the back unit, matched by the
continued improvement in front of goal. Manager
Gregory McGonigle was a happy man after the game
saying, “we’re pleased with what was a good all
round performance. Our workrate especially was
excellent throughout and the performance of a number
of players, Kerry O’Neill, Lyndsey Cunningham and
Karen Gribben was encouraging”. Manager McGonigle
also had a note of praise for forward, Kyla Trainor
saying the Downpatrick player had had her best game
to date in the centre half forward role. With two
wins out of three in their first season in Division
Two, Down will hope to take their good form into
their next game against Cavan in a few weeks.
Down Team: Elaine McCourt, Kerry O’Neill, Aoibheann
Downey, Aine Keary, Eilish McConville, Bronagh
McCorry, Patricia McKibben, Mairead Hearty, Michaela
Downey, Maeve McConville, Kyla Trainor, Karen
Gribben, Karen Keown, Aileen Pyers, Lyndsey
Cunningham |
