Youghal Utd 5 – Ballinhassig 1

Youghal Utd continued their unbeaten run in the league with a comprehensive victory over Ballinhassig at Ardrath Park last Sunday. A month’s lay-off didn’t show as the girls set about their business quickly. Holly Twomey and Ellen Benaim both came close early on with Youghal virtually camped in the opposition half. The pressure finally told when a great run by Rachel Geary ended with a low shot that the keeper failed to keep out. Amy Benaim then added a second mid way through the first half with a solo effort from the left, finishing cooly under the keeper. At 2-0 Youghal allowed Ballinhassig back into the game with some slack defending from a corner, resulting in Claire Christopher pulling one back for the visitors when her looping effort evaded Anne-Marie Geary. The goal seemed to knock Youghal out of their complacency and they responded by stretching their lead to 3-1 after Amy Benaim outpaced the right back and her cut back was turned in at close range by Rebecca Kearns. In the second half Ballinhassig rarely threatened despite plenty of the play and with Anne-Marie Geary looking more assured by every game in goal, the lead looked safe. Meanwhile, Youghal wasted opportunity after opportunity on the counter attack. Rachel Galvin could have had a hatrick alone with Holly Twomey also missing out. Youghal rectified matters with 15 minutes remaining with two superbly taken goals. The first saw the outstanding Rachel Geary finish off Rebecca Kearns pass after the number 10 danced around two defenders to superbly set up her team mate. With only minutes remaining, Rachel Galvin then split the defence with a beautiful through ball to the on-running Holly Twomey. The number 9 took her time and slotted home despite pressure from the chasing defenders. Though the game finished 5-1 it could have been worse for Ballinhassig and Youghal can be rightly proud of their display. Again, the defence of Niamh Roche, Sarah Roche, Katie Manning and Emily Roche gave little away while Ellen Benaim, Rachel Galvin, Claire Keniry and Rachel Geary were superb across midfield. Youghal have now scored 11 goals in four games and can be thankful to have a great attck with Holly Twomey, Rebecca Kearns, Amy Benaim and Aoife Sullivan.