THE GIRL’S  SOCCER SEASON is underway and the new Youghal Utd U-12s were hosts to Passage at a sun-drenched Ardrath Park last Saturday. A large number of the team were playing for the first time. Passage took the lead after 12 minutes but Youghal responded with a terrific run and strike by Holly-Rose Twomey  only to see her effort hit the post and her follow up shot saved by the keeper. Report by www.youghalonline.com sports reporter

The Youghal captain wasn’t to be denied however on what was to turn out to be an exceptional performance by the number 9. She soon equalled the score with another fine run and neat finish to the corner.

With the new players still finding their feet, Passage struck to lead 2-1. Holly-Rose Twomey, supported by the extremely hard working and skillful Amy Ben-Aim and Lynda Galvin, again picked up the ball and ran at the passage defence, turning the centre-half before slotting home. At 2-2 Youghal were in the ascendancy and in control of the game. Unfortunately, Passage scored before the break to make it 3-2.

The visitors began the second half strongly but great defending by new signings Catriona Savage and Jennifer Geary showed the team has a lot of promise. With Sarah Roche bossing midfield and tireless running from Aoife O’ Sullivan Youghal looked likely to score. Holly-Rose Twomey secured her hat-trick with another run and cool finish to make it 3-3.

It looked like Youghal could go on to claim the three points but Passage never wilted and again took the lead – 4-3. It was time for the Youghal captain to again show the way and after coming back on to the pitch after a minor injury, she picked up the ball and ran into the area to drive a low shot under the diving keeper. At 4-4 Youghal looked the stronger side. However, the game changed when Youghal lost their experienced keeper, Jo Healy to injury.

Passage pressed on and scored two more goals to claim victory at 6-4. This was a tough test for the new Youghal team but they have plenty to be proud about after the opening day fixtures. Player of the match – Holly-Rose Twomey, a five star performance from the captain.