Youghal U-16s Soccer
Springfield 1 – 1 Youghal Utd.

This was a game that will have Youghal cursing their luck for weeks to come and 2 points lost that could count against them at the end of the season. A depleted but confident side traveled to Cobh to face newcomers, Springfield. Youghal obliged the opposition with a change of date but struggled to field their strongest team as a consequence. With just enough players to take the field Youghal still put in an excellent performance, particularly in the second half.

The game started evenly and Youghal created some promising openings but were a little too careless in the final third. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Sarah Roche showed great composure on the halfway line, carrying the ball into the Springfield half. Her through pass to the right evaded the outstretched leg of the left back. Holly Twomey, in deadly form of late, controlled the pass and from just inside the box, slotted home. Youghal may have felt that they had done enough but they allowed Springfield confidence to grow. Youghal were second to the ball on most ocassions and caught out of positions and paid dearly for it. With the Springfield midfielder allowed to collect the ball in Youghal’s half without any pressure, the number 8 danced her way through the area to level the score. Youghal were stung and continued to struggle until midway through the second half when Holly Twomey brought a smart save from the keeper. Holly continued to threaten with Rebecca Kearns also showing great promise on the right. Youghal seemed to realise they were in a match and looked the more likely to score until the Springfield centre-half  made her influence known on the game. When Holly Twomey sailed pass two defenders she was almost certain to put Youghal ahead until a crunching tackle took the ball and her ankle inside the area. It was Holly’s last involvement in the game as she was carried off. With Youghal down to 9 players Springfield got hold of the game, hitting the post and having the ball cleared off the line with a great save by Orla Daly. However, Youghal’s outstanding character showed when the excellent Rachel Geary caught Springfield on the break with a fantastic solo run. Unfortunately, as Rachel was about to shoot she too fell foul of the same defender and after another hard tackle was carried off with a similar injury to her team-mate. This time Youghal were awarded the penalty that was 15 minutes overdue. With Youghal’s two probable kickers off the pitch Sarah Roche stepped up to take what turned out to be the last kick of the game. Sadly for Sarah her effort was saved. This was cruel on Sarah as she had been absolutely outstanding in the last 20 minutes when Youghal barely had enough players to finish the game. Certainly, her performance secured a brave and costly point. Youghal will be disappointed not to win the game but can be very proud of their performance in very trying circumstance. The return match with a full team will  offer the opportunity to redress the balance on what was a day thay Youghal lost 2 players for a number of weeks but were also extraordinarily brave. Squad: Orla Day, Anne-Marie Geary, Sarah Roche, Katie Manning ©, Claire Keniry, Niamh Roche, Rebecca Kearns, Rachel Geary, Amy Benaim, Holly Twomey. Next Match at Ardrath Park V Riverstown Sun 13.

After finishing second place in the league and narrowly missing out on medals it was not all disappointment for the Youghal U-14 girls soccer team as the season came to a close. Throughout the June bank holiday Youghal Utd ladies soccer had something to celebrate with the inclusion of Holly-Rose Twomey in the Cork team competing in the Gaynor Cup.

The competition was held in Galway where 18 teams challenged for the title of national champions. Holly-Rose had been training with the Cork squad since last October at C.I.T and was fortunate to be selected from 40 players to represent her county in Galway. The competition was of a very high standard but Cork started extremely well with 4 wins to top their group, beating Galway 4-1, Longford 4-1, Roscommon 4-1 and Sligo/Leitrim 3-1.

Though they had been installed as favourites after their group exploits Cork bowed out in the Semi-Final, narrowly losing to eventual winners Inishowen 2-1in what was described as the best and toughest game of the entire competition. This was a fantastic experience for all the girls involved with over 300 participants from all over the country. It shows how much girls soccer has grown and in particular how strong representation at county, provincial and national level is from Cork. Youghal Utd is particularly proud to have players like Holly-Rose represent Youghal Utd at such a high level and it proves that rural clubs can compete with the bigger city teams and break into national squads.

There is great thanks to be given to her team-mates at Youghal and to the club who have shown  respect and support for girls soccer. It is hoped that Holly-Rose’s success can inspire more girls to join up next season. Great credit must also go to Kate Sheehan who assisted the Cork coaching staff throughout the winter and played a pivotal role in Cork’s success at the tournament in Galway.

Youghal Utd. U-14s  5 -  Ballinhassig  U-14s  2

Squad: Steph Fitzgerald, Marie-Louise Keane, Sarah Roche, Katie Manning ©, Emily Roche, Claire Keniry, Rachel Geary, Rachel Galvin, Elen Benaim, Amy Benaim, Holly Twomey, Emma Varney, Aoife Sullivan, Lynda Galvin, Jen Geary.
Ladies Team Sponsor: Joe Russell Heating & Plumbing – Tel: (024) 91192 Mob: 087-7697416

YOUGHAL followed up their recent 6 goals against Avondale with another 5 against Ballinhassig. With one game left to play, Youghal need one more win to be guaranteed at least second place and the chance to collect medals.

Despite a comprehensive victory here, Youghal began the game sluggishly and within 3 minutes of the kick-off found themselves conceding a penalty. Fortunately, for the home side, Ballinhassig spurned a golden opportunity to take the lead when the ball was struck harmlessly wide. Youghal failed to threaten in the opening exchanges and were made to pay for a lacklustre start. When Mary O’ Keefe was felled at the edge of the Youghal area, the tall attacker stepped up to avenge the foul with a great finish. The goal prompted urgency from the home team and Ballinhassig were stunned by a ten minute hat-trick from Youghal’s Holly Twomey. The first was the pick of the bunch. Receiving from Claire Keniry inside the area, she stabbed the ball with her left before striking the it over the keeper to the far corner. She then out-paced the defence after Rachel Galvin’s superb through ball to finish sweetly.

The third was the result of fine interplay between Ellen Benaim, Rachel Geary and Rachel Galvin. When the ball was finally worked to Holly, she turned the defender inside out from ten yards and cooly slotted a low ball into the corner of the net. Leading 3-1 at the break Youghal relaxed into the second half and Ballinhassig continued to press. Following a series of corners and sustained pressure, Youghal looked like they might throw away the advantage. However, Holly Twomey continued to threaten until she was fouled at the edge of the area. Unfortunately for Youghal the number 9 fell on her wrist awkwardly, fracturing it.

The home side had to rearrange their formation with Rachel Geary deputising up front and Aoife Sullivan coming on to play wide right. The turning point of the game came when Ballinhassig’s defence pushed too far forward allowing Youghal to break away. Rachel Geary showed great composure and pace to control the ball and carrying it into the box, finished with great aplomb. This looked to have finished off the opposition, but a fortunate penalty awarded for dubious handball afforded them the opportunity to reduce the defecit. Mary O’ Keefe did not pass up the chance and made it 4-2 with ten minutes remaining. However, Youghal sealed a great victory with their 11th goal in two games when the rapidly improving Amy Benaim dribbled down the left and slotted home from 8 metres to the keeper’s left.

Youghal have one game remaining when they face table-toppers, Bandon on April 9th. The club wishes Holly a speedy recovery and also wishes to see the quick return of Kamilla Picuch from her knee injury.

 

Youghal Utd Report Girls U-14s Soccer

Youghal Utd  6   -   Avondale Utd  2

Youghal Utd moved to second place in the table after this comprehensive victory at Ardrath Park. This was the first time this season that Youghal could draw from a full squad of players and it showed in a dominant display. Youghal spurned a number of opportunities early on in the game before finally breaching the tough Avondale rearguard marshaled by the excellent Aisling Fitzgerald. From Holly Twomey’s short corner Rachel Galvin returned the ball first time to the striker whose excellent cross found Rachel Geary unmarked inside the area. Rachel controlled superbly before slotting the ball home into the net. For almost the entire half, Youghal pressed for a second. Holly Twomey continued to torment Avondale down the right assisted by the outstanding Claire Keniry with Amy Benaim, Rachel Geary and Rachel Galvin all having chances to extend the lead. Avondale’s resilience was rewarded shortly before the break when a fortunate rebound off the referee fell to Avondale forward Jane ? who finished superbly.

Despite the 1-1 scoreline, Youghal had a superb first half playing their best football of the season. That form continued early after the break when Holly Twomey cut in from the right, beating two defenders and a great pass found Amy Benaim. Amy’s first-time attempt got caught under her feet and when the ball squirmed loose Rachel Geary again pounced to make it 2-1 wit a looping effort. Rachel Galvin then made it 3-1 again from a Holly Twomey assist. However, plucky Avondale caused nerves in the Youghal ranks when Aisling Fitzgerald struck from distance to score a beautiful goal, reducing the deficit to 3-2. With Ally McCormack’s influence growing down the Avondale right the game was now in the balance. With Youghal visibly tiring Avondale pressed for an equaliser with the influential Aisling Fitzgerald pushing into midfield. All of Youghal’s back line stood firm and their commitment allowed Rachel Galvin to score a further two goals for Youghal to break Avondale’s resolve. Her first came courtesy of a slight deflection. Set up by Holly Twomey her shot from the edge of the area spun inside the right post. The number 7 added a second and needed no assistance as she outran the visitor’s defence and struck an unstoppable shot beyond the despairing keeper.

The game now looked safe at 5-2 but great credit to Avondale who continued to test Youghal’s resolute defence. A brilliant interchange of passing between Rachel Galvin, Claire Keniry and Holly Twomey should have resulted in another score but Holly’s well placed effort beat both the keeper and the post. Youghal scored a sixth with the last kick of the game when Emma Varney’s low, hard cross was turned in by the tireless Amy Benaim. A great performance that saw hard work matched by great passing and finishing to collect a well-deserved three points. Squad: Stephanie Fitzgerald, Sarah Roche, Katie Manning, Marie-Louise Keane, Jen Geary, Rachel Galvin, Rachel Geary, Claire Keniry, Emily Roche, Holly Twomey, Amy Benaim, Ellen Benaim, Emma Varney, Lynda Galvin.

Ballinhassig 1 – Youghal Utd 2

Youghal’s U-14 girls finally got back into action after the big freeze out over December. The girls have played little football and  trained infrequently since defeating Crosshaven 7-0 last November.

This encounter against a Ballinhassig side that previously defeated a depleted Youghal team 6-2 in the cup saw a return to form in the league campaign. Despite the long lay off Youghal started with a quick tempo and imposed themselves on the game. Some quick one-twos between Amy Benaim and Holly Twomey went unrewarded by a number of dubious offside decisions. However, the visitors kept calm and breached the Ballinhassig defence with a typical move. Ellen Benaim played the ball out wide to Claire Keniry whose first touch to the corner was collected by Holly Twomey. Holly beat two defenders and cut into the box where she rolled the ball into the path of the onrushing Rachel Galvin.

Rachel struck the ball first time to the underside of the bar and into the net. Ballinhassig looked somewhat taken aback by a team they had beaten easily in the cup and when Rachel Galvin’s individual effort hit the post it looked like Youghal might win the game in the first half. Rachel did add a second on 23 minutes when indecision in the Ballinhassig area led to a clash between defenders. Rachel took control of the ball and from a very tight angle shot across the keeper, the ball deflecting in off the far post. Half-time 2-0.

The goals were reward for some excellent play from Youghal and the insurance of a second goal was welcome as they turned to face a low sun and strong wind in the second half. As expected, Ballinhassig pressed for a goal but Sarah Roche, Kamilla Picuch, Jen Geary and Katie Manning were outstanding in their determination and no little skill.

Two significant events almost spoiled the day for Youghal when firstly Ballinhassig pulled a goal back with a great individual effort from their midfielder and secondly when Kamilla Picuch turned over on her knee and had to be carried off. Youghal had to readjust with influential midfielder, Ellen Benaim going into defence. Youghal were now stretched, conceding a lot of possession in midfield. However, it was Youghal’s passing that proved to be the most influential aspect to an increasingly tense affair. Holly Twomey had a great effort held by the keeper. Rachel Galvin then chipped over the right back to Holly Twomey who squared the ball low and hard across the area where Amy Benaim connected first time. The ball seemed to be heading into the corner but the keeper got down to grapple it to safety.

Youghal survived a late scare after the referee inexplicably played advantage outside the Youghal area and then blew for a free kick. Fortunately, Ballinhassig fluffed the opportunity by blazing high and wide. It was the last action of a tough game.

One drawback for Youghal was the injury to Kamilla and all the players and coaches would like to wish her a speedy recovery as she is always committed to giving her best for her teammates. Squad: Steph Fitzgerald, Kamilla Picuch, Sarah Roche, Katie Manning, Marie-Louise Keane, Claire Keniry, Ellen Benaim, Rachel Galvin, Emma Varney, Amy Benaim, Holly Twomey, Jen Geary, Nikita Savage, Lynda Galvin. Next match away to Glounthuane 29.01.11 in the Evening Echo Cup followed by league game away to Crosshaven in February.

Youghal Utd U-14 girls secured the Division 2 title and promotion last Friday evening after a tense play-off against Innishvilla at Douglas Hall. Both clubs had finished the campaign on 22 points and had to face each other for the third time this season.

Last April Innishvilla came to Youghal and left with a 4-0 victory. Three weeks ago Youghal reversed their fortune by beating their toughest opponents 2-0. That victory, followed by a 10-0 hammering of Ballinhassig and victories over killinardrish and Richmond meant Youghal entered the play-off on a strong run with 23 goals for and only 1 against.

The final was a carbon copy of the last time the two sides met. A slightly nervous Youghal side were pushed back to the edge of their area for the first ten minutes. Yet, when they had possession, they showed glimpses of what was to come. Rachel Galvin, Holly Twomey, Jess Lawton and Jess Swayne exchanged passes as they probed for an opening. The first real effort of the match fell to Holly Twomey.

A clever turn and neat pass at the edge of the area by Jess Swayne found Holly on the left side. The No. 9 tried to curve the ball on the back foot but her effort swerved up and away from the upright. There were few openings and Innisvilla’s pressure never brought goalkeeper, Aoife Landers into any significant action.

The movement of the Youghal forwards and wingers meant the opposition never quite got to grips when Youghal were on the offensive and Jess Lawton was unfortunate on a number of occasions not to produce more positive results on the right. However, midway through the first half, a fine interception by Sarah Roche inside her own area set the impressive Molly Schofield away on the left. Molly’s inside pass to Nora Walsh was pushed wide right to Jess Lawton. The No. 10 turned outside the defender and from the edge of the area her strike dipped under the bar to break the deadlock.

It was just desserts as Youghal had showed more inclination to pass and create chances. At the break the girls knew they were 35 minutes from glory and were determined to be only the second Youghal girls team to lift a title after Dick Sheehan’s U-16s in 2009. Innishvilla showed  great improvement in the second half. Under enormous pressure for the first 15 minutes, wherein Innishvilla almost leveled when a scrambled shot dribbled past the post, Youghal’s defence of Molly Schofield, Sarah Roche, Katie Manning and Kamilla Piecuck settled down and the efforts of the opposition began to peter out.

Most of the second half was a scrappy affair with Youghal desperate to hold on. With Innishvilla running out of options the towering presence of the outstanding Nora Walsh and Ellen Benaim meant Youghal were again taking control.

They broke Innishvilla hearts and resolve with quarter of an hour to the whistle. After great work by Jess Lawton on the right, her cross was intercepted in the area but the ever lively Jess Swayne pounced on the ball and her right footed half volley nestled in the corner. At 2-0 Youghal were in control and once again returned to the passing game that has served them so well this season.

There were further half chances for Rachel Galvin, Jess Lawton, Nora Walsh and Holly Twomey but another goal would have made unjust reading for an excellent Innishvilla side. There was much relief and joy at the final whistle and the girls celebrated with abandon after a long, tough season. The most satisfying aspect of winning this title for Youghal is the manner in which they achieved it.

All season they have worked hard and tried to play the game the right way and most importantly they had fun doing it. Everyone who took part this season can feel proud of this achievement and it marks another landmark for girls’ soccer in Youghal: two titles in two years. The girls and their Manager would like to thank all the parents who made long journeys in all weathers to support the team this year.

The squad collect their medals at a special awards night at the Rochestown Park Hotel this Tuesday.

Youghal Utd U-14s 5 – Ballinhassig U-14s 2

Youghal Utd picked up a valuable 3 points with their second win in as many weeks over Ballinhassig. Following their 5-1 demolition of the Cork side in the cup, Youghal again showed what might have been this season if they could have fielded a full strength side throughout the campaign, which was blighted by one of the worst winters in decades.

Ballinhassig came to Ardrath Park with retribution on their minds and a stronger line up than the team that were dumped out of the cup. Their intent was clear from the opening exchanges; to get the ball as quickly as they could to their only potent threat – No. 9, Mary McGuane. Youghal, without striker Jess Lawton, who scored a hat-trick in the previous fixture, looked shot shy in the opening ten minutes and paid the price for a lack of penetration.

Ballinhassig drew first blood and the goal was as much due to Youghal’s inability to clear as it was to the visitors’ persistence. With the ball loose on the 18 yard line, Youghal’s defence failed to deal with the pressure and a sliced clearance fell to McGuane who still had work to do.

The tall forward advanced into the area only to be bravely thwarted by keeper, Jessica Swayne who was unfortunate to see her body block deflect the ball into the six-yard box where McGuane used all her physical presence to bundle the ball over the line. The goal was a wake up call for the home side and the response was immediate and graceful in its execution.

Receiving the ball from the kick off from Molly Schofield, Rachel Galvin shimmied her way through a bewildered defence deftly rounding three players and the goalkeeper to draw the sides level. This was followed by a series a fine interplays from Youghal who were now in the ascendancy. A one-two between Holly Twomey and Rachel Galvin almost paid dividends while a delicious lob from Ellen Benaim looked goal bound before sailing wide of the upright.

Kamilla Piecuch meanwhile was playing the game of her season with a brilliant display at left back to repel Ballinhassig advances typified by a last ditch crunching tackle in the area when it looked like Youghal were set to go a goal behind.

As in the cup game the sides finished the half 1-1. The second-half began as the first and again a failure to get the ball out of the area cost the home side. McGuane was the beneficary when she was played in to the right side of the Youghal area to slot home her second. 2-1 Ballinhassig. However, the visitors could not hold the lead and sucombed to a fantastic display by Youghal in the final 25 minutes.

Youghal continued to pass and probe. The game hinged on Nora Walsh’s advancement into midfield. Nora’s presence and growing influence was too much for the tiring opposition. After a powerful run that saw her advance deep into the Ballinhassig area she cut a hard low ball across the area where Holly Twomey’s touch was deflected by a defender and the ensuing scramble forced the ball over the line – 2-2. Ellen Benaim, Molly Schofield and Nora Walsh were now dominating the middle of the pitch and, in particular, Ellen’s supply to Holly Twomey and Rachel Galvin was causing havoc.

Rachel broke Ballinhassig hearts 5 minutes later with a beautiful strike from the edge of the area to put Youghal in front for the first time. Nora Walsh then made it 4-2 with a equally stunning strike that left the keeper rooted to the spot. Rachel Galvin then scored the pick of her three goals. The No. 7 took the ball from Holly and avoided a number of challenges. Just when it looked like she had lost her chance she lifted the ball over the keeper, her shot grazing the underneath of the bar and caressing the net.

At 5-2 Youghal were playing beautiful football and the move of the game should have resulted in a goal. Rachel Galvin took the ball wide before cutting it back to Holly Twomey. Holly’s control allowed her turn and roll the ball into the path of Nora Walsh who carried it into the area. Nora went for power only to see her effort rise over the bar. Holly Twomey came agonisingly close twice after following great combination play with Rachel Galvin.

There were some outstanding performances but, in truth, everyone played to a high level. With two league fixtures remaining the girls could finish in the top three of four but playing like this an exciting cup run could be on the cards.

Team: Jessica Swayne, Sarah Roche (Gemma O’ Brien 60mins), Katie Manning (C), Nora Walsh, Kamilla Piecuch, Emma Varney (Marie-Louise Keane 35mins), Molly Schofield, Ellen Benaim, Claire Keniry (Aoife Landers 35mins), Holly Twomey and Rachel Galvin.

Next match: Ardrath Park Youghal Utd  V  Innishvilla Saturday 27th.

Youghal U-14s Soccer Report -( Saturday Jan. 30th 2010)
Jess Lawton Hat-trick Sends U-14s Into next Round Of Cup

Youghal Utd 5 – Ballinhassig 1

The Youghal U-14 Girls Soccer team qualified for the next round of the Evening Echo Cup with a terrific victory over Ballinhassig at Ardrath Park on Saturday. The opening period saw little action but it was clear that the home side were gaining the upper hand. A stubborn Ballinhassig defence was finally breached when a great through ball from Claire Keniry was well controlled by Holly Twomey.The number 9 outstripped her marker and cooly dispatched a low shot beyond the keeper. Holly and Jess Lawton then combined brilliantly with a quick one two only minutes later only for the ref’s whistle to call offside. Holly Twomey again caused problems on the right wing, cutting in to beat two players to set up her strike partner, Jess Lawton. The number 10 struck first time but her effort skewed wide. Youghal tried to cease the opportunity to go further ahead but wasted chance after chance. Molly Schofield and Rachel Galvin were in total control of midfield. Molly should have been awarded a penalty when she was upended in the area but the ref waved Youghal appeals away. Jess Lawton, Rachel Galvin and Holly Twomey all had chances to make it 2-0 but failed to find the net. Fortune then fell to a battling Ballinhassig when a difficult ball was handled in the area and the visitors were awarded a penalty. With the scores now level, and half-time only minutes away, it looked like Youghal were going to pay for not taking their chances. All fears of a long frustrating second-half were blown away by an outstanding strike from Jess Lawton from the edge of the box. Her shot curled away from the keeper clipping the post on the way in. At 2-1 Ballinhassig began to fade. Anything they had to offer was repelled competently by this season’s most consistant performer, katie Manning. The equally outsanding Molly Schofield chased every ball and was relentless in support of the strikers. Jess Lawton made it 3-1 with another solo effort that saw her pick the ball up and run at the heart of the defence. Just as it looked like she had run out of steam, she drove the ball low and hard into the bottom left corner. The game was beyond Ballinhassig and Youghal were now playing their best football of the season. This was evident when Rachel Galvin made it 4-1. This goal was the best move of the match. It began with a lovely pass from Emma Varney to Molly Schofield on the right, Molly’s infield pass found Holly Twomey whose immediate back heel found Rachel Galvin on the right edge of the area. Rachel skipped two challenges to glide into the area and finish with great aplomb. Jess Lawton grabbed her third and Youghal’s fifth 6 minutes later when Aoife Lander’s pass set the forward up in space on the left edge of the area. Jess struck a high looping effort over the despairing keeper to cap a superb display. This performance was a long time coming from the U-14s and the task now is to keep up the standard in the next round where they will play either Kinsale or Killardnadrish. On this form they can beat anyone and it was a joy to watch but Ballinhassig, who come back to Youghal in two weeks for a league encounter, will be looking to avenge this 5-1 drubbing. All starting 11 players and 3 subs were excellent but the outstanding performers were Molly Schofield, Jess Lawton, Rachel Galvin, Captain, Katie Manning and Holly Twomey.

Youghal Utd 3  -  1 Richmond

Youghal United U-12s  moved into third place in the table after this win against Richmond. This was a terrific encounter with both defences very strong limiting both strike forces to a handful of chances. Report: www.youghalonline.com sports reporter

Youghal started brightly and two weaving runs by Holly Twomey almost paid off but the Richmond centre-half gave the Youghal striker close attention. The number nine was is typical form and a constant menace to Richmond. However, the visitors took the lead when a long ball through the middle allowed the Richmond to latch onto the ball and slot it past Stephanie Fitzgerald.

Youghal responded well and with the visitors under pressure in their own area the ball fell to Lynda Galvin who struck a strong shot into the corner to give Youghal a well deserved equaliser. It was Lynda’s second goal of the season and she is playing better in every game. Confidence was now restored and it was inevitable that Holly Twomey would turn the game in Youghal’s favour.

With Richmond high up on the halfway line they were caught by the striker’s pace. A through ball was beautifully touched on by Amy Benaim and Holly was sent clear. Her finish was coolness personified. As the keeper advanced Holly slotted the ball between her legs and turned to celebrate before the ball had crossed the line. The prolific striker now has eight goals in four games.

Richmond began the second half determined to draw level. The pressure brought the best out of the Youghal defence. Stephanie Fitzgerald was called into action several times and the keeper grew more confident as the half went on with some great handling and clearances.

Both Catriona Savage and Zoe Goggin were outstanding in their defensive duties in keeping Richmond out. For long periods it looked like Richmond would secure a draw. Aoife O’ Sullivan, Lynda Galvin and Amy Benaim worked extremly hard in midfield and all Youghal required was one breakthrough.That moment came with about 10 minutes remaining. Zoe Goggin defended brilliantly before breaking into left midfield. Holly Twomey moved into space on the flank and Zoe’s through ball found her breaking free. The Richmond keeper advanced outside her area but Holly went around her with a gorgeous swerve before hitting a great ball across the area. With a single Richmond defender chasing back to prevent the ball crossing the line it was a race between her and Zoe who had kept running forward. Zoe beat the defender for pace and struck the ball confidently into the corner to seal the win.

Everyone put in great performances to win this tough contest and Youghal are now two points off the top spot with a game in hand. Best performers were Holly Twomey, Stephanie Fitzgerald, Zoe Goggin, Amy Benaim, Aoife O’ Sullivan, Lynda Galvin and Catriona Savage.

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.

Youghal U-12s girls soccer team won their first 3 points away to Riverstown on Saturday in a tense and exciting encounter.

Youghal started very brightly and within 3 minutes a brilliant move between Amy Benaim and Holly Twomey almost opened the scoring. Weaving between the Riverstown defence, Amy and Holly played a series of quick one-twos only to see the keeper save Holly’s effort. Riverstown were taking time to settle and when Holly Twomey broke through she looked certain to score. The forward watched her effort roll past the post and it looked like it might be one of those days. Youghal kept up the pressure and were well on top. Lynda Galvin picked up a great position in the box and when the ball broke to her she finished coolly to put the visitors 1-0 up. Riverstown finally grew in confidence and breached a strong Youghal defence, led by Sarah Roche, when the excellent Amy O’ Lehane dribbled the ball into the box and equalised for the home side: 1-1.  The game swung back in Youghal’s favour only 5 minutes later when hesitation in the Riverstown area was ceased upon by Holly Twomey and the number 9 was never going to miss from six yards. Youghal went into the break leading 2-1. Riverstown were expected to increase the pressure in the second half playing with a slight hill. However, Louise Dempsey, Sarah Roche, Jennifer Geary and Catriona Savage showed that they are growing as a strong unit and repelled Riverstown’s efforts. Aoife O’ Sullivan and Amy Benaim were outstanding on the flanks for Youghal. Their efforts allowed Holly Twomey to score her second and Youghal’s third.

The in-form striker turned beautifully at the edge of the area and pushed the ball into space. Too quick for her rivals she slid the ball home: 3-1. the goal affected Riverstown and Holly Twomey saved the best for last when she chased back, stole the ball from a midfielder and outran 4 defenders to complete her hat-trick with a trademark finish to the corner. With Youghal looking very comfortable at 4-1 they relaxed and allowed Riverstown back into the game. Riverstown’s number 8 Amy O’ Lehane was proving a handfull and scored twice with two fine individual goals to secure her hat-trick. At 4-3 Youghal started to look uneasy.

Riverstown came very close on two occasions to leveling the score. However, Jennifer Geary closed down Amy O’ Lehane brilliantly and Youghal came back into the game. Aoife O’ Sullivan almost scored in the dying minutes after a great run on the right. The final whistle was very welcome. The girls now have their first win and Coach, Rose Sheehan expressed relief and joy at the result. “I was very proud of them. I thought we were going to throw it away but they all worked really hard at the end to get the win,” she said. After two games Holly Twomey now has 7 goals and the captain said the win will galvanise the team. “A win always gives a team confidence and this is a great boost for us,” she said. A great performance then but still lots to do for the young side. Holly Twomey takes the plaudits for her second hat-trick of the campaign but every player ran their hearts out for this well deserved if slightly nervous victory.