Sunday, 25th January, 2015
Malahide United Girls U14 had a double header against divisional rivals (U14A MGL) Mount Merrion in the Cup quarter final stage at Malahide Castle on Sunday 25th January and in the league, away, on Sunday 1st February.
In the first game Merrion dominated early proceedings. Malahide, with their first game since the league break back in mid-December, looked rusty and went in at half time losing 2 to nil, thanks mainly to a good performance in goals by Sophie Rickard. The home team also needed to make last minute changes to the lineup when Ali O’Keefe pulled up in pre match warm up with a niggling hamstring. Anna Goodey made her United debut in the middle of the park and had a terrific game. In the early stages of the second period, buoyed on by a vocal coach in the half time pep talk, United dominated and deservedly pulled a goal back after great work down the right by Thea Edwards, who crossed for the inrushing Ellen Daly to slot home. 2-1. Malahide continued to play well and Anna let fly with a fierce drive from 18 yards only for the visiting keeper to brilliantly tip away.
Mt Merrion, who lead the U14A MGL division are a nice footballing side and increased their lead when two uncharacteristic mistakes by the Malahide defence let the visitors score twice in quick succession to effectively end the tie. Malahide pressed on but Mt Merrion ran out comfortable winners by a score of 6-1 and proceed to the semi-finals.
Team for Cup Qtr Final tie: Zoe Ellingboe, Thea Edwards, Anna Goodey, Ali McGrath, Izzy McCarville, Ali O’Keefe, Naomi Flynn, Ellen Daly, Katie Spain, Sophie Rickard, Alex McLoughney, Eimear Crean (Capt.), Andrea Roche, Erika Browne.
Sunday, 1st Feburary, 2015
February 1st saw the second of the double bill with the league fixture in Marley Park. United had a strong squad with Katie Spain the only absentee owing to injury. Sophie started in goal with Ali O’Keefe and Alex McLoughney in full back roles. Aly McGrath and Zoe Ellingboe took up their central defensive positions. The midfield consisted of Naomi Flynn, Anna Goodey, Emma Clinton and Thea Edwards while up front Erika Browne and Ellie Forrester led the attack. Izzy, Ellen, Andrea and Eimear started as subs but were soon called into the action.
What a difference a week makes. Malahide bossed proceedings and with half time approaching were unlucky not to be in front after the Merrion keeper pulled off a fine save from Thea Edwards. With virtually the last kick of the half Mt Merrion did manage to score, somewhat against the run of play, to lead 1-0 at the break. Malahide continued to play well after half time and eventually lost the tie 4-2 after two great goals from Erika Browne and, overall, a fine team performance which was more reflective of the ability in the team and the efforts that the girls have been making in training.
Team for League tie: Zoe Ellingboe, Thea Edwards, Anna Goodey, Ali McGrath, Izzy McCarville, Ali O’Keefe, Naomi Flynn, Ellen Daly, Emma Clinton, Sophie Rickard, Alex McLoughney, Eimear Crean, Andrea Roche, Erika Browne.
Training again this Tuesday, 3rd February at Gannon Park, 5:30pm to 7pm