Youghal Utd 1 – 0  Ballincollig

This was as difficult a game as the girls will play all season. For the opening 15 minutes Ballincollig pushed the home side into their own half and held them there. Goal chances were far and few between and with Youghal’s defence standing firm Ballincollig’s possession fizzled out.

Holly Twomey, playing up front on her own, held the ball up well and with Rachel Galvin and Jess Lawton coming into the game more Youghal grew in confidence

Youghal finally put some decent passes together and looked likely to score for the first time. When the goal came it was fortunate but well deserved. Jess Lawton hit a strong corner and when the ball broke in the area Rachel Galvin was the first to react and prodded the ball with her right foot as it bounced. The keeper looked to have it but   fumbled the ball behind the line.

Ballincollig fought back and a goal bound effort was brilliantly blocked by debutant keeper, Jessica Swayne. With pressure mounting Jessica again proved she will be a huge addition to the squad when she grabbed a high ball with confidence. The goal gave Youghal a lift and there was great improvement in the second half. A six pass move almost brought a second goal. Holly Twomey’s touch saw the ball run onto Rachel Galvin who clashed with the Ballincollig keeper. When the ball broke Holly’s shot deflected off a defender and rolled to safety.

The visitors responded superbly, piling the pressure on with sustained attacks resulting in four consecutive corners. During this phase of the match the star of the day rose to the challenge. Kelly Sullivan put in a monumental performance to deny Ballincollig time and again. Alongside Sarah Roche, Michelle Healy and the equally outstanding Katie Manning the defence turned in  the performance of the season so far.

Youghal were now relying on counter-attacks and almost stole a second goal when Jess Lawton went on a great run only to see her shot parried to safety by the keeper. Youghal’s Jessica Swayne was then quick off her line to stop an equaliser and when Ballincollig’s excellent number 14 struck a free kick over the bar breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Next for the U-14s is a visit to Kinsale on Saturday 31st and they can now approach this game with confidence. Star players: Kelly Sullivan and Katie Manning.