The First Year girls travelled to Naas on Sunday for the semi-final of the West Leinster League, where they were pitted against a strong and experienced Naas side. Enniscorthy were by far the better prepared team, and they started strongly with the forward line of Rebecca Leech, Martha Dunne, and Emer Doyle putting early pressure on the Naas defence, fed by the midfield players Caoimhe Larkin, Niamh Ogilvie and Lettie Hassett. Naas responded quickly though forcing a number of short corners which were well defended by Anna Kavanagh, Ciara Kelly, Ailbhe Harrington, Eabha Farrell, and Norah McGinty. Both sides had scoring chances no more so than in the dying second of the first half when an Enniscorthy attempt on goal was counter attacked by Naas shooting narrowly wide to leave the half time score 0-0.
Naas started the second half strongly but Enniscorthy fought their way back with the help of substitutes Ciara B Doyle, Ciara O Connor, and Emer Bowe, and they gained a number of short corners which despite strong shots by Niamh Ogilvie failed to break the deadlock. Enniscorthy went through a period of sustained pressure by Naas who forced goalkeeper McGinty to make a number of fine saves. Sadly the pressure told and Naas scored with 13 minutes to go. Enniscorthy rallied valiantly and despite the introduction of Rioghna Hourihan, they were unable to equalise leaving the final score 1-0 to Naas.
Despite the loss they were many positives to take from the day, not least the excellent link play between players especially between the Niamh Ogilvie and Ciara Kelly, fantastic determination and effort by Lettie Hassett, and brilliant saves by fledgling goalkeeper Norah McGinty, The Management team of Orla, Judith and Keith were very proud of the performance of the squad both during the match and in their preparations. Well done all.
Naas started the second half strongly but Enniscorthy fought their way back with the help of substitutes Ciara B Doyle, Ciara O Connor, and Emer Bowe, and they gained a number of short corners which despite strong shots by Niamh Ogilvie failed to break the deadlock. Enniscorthy went through a period of sustained pressure by Naas who forced goalkeeper McGinty to make a number of fine saves. Sadly the pressure told and Naas scored with 13 minutes to go. Enniscorthy rallied valiantly and despite the introduction of Rioghna Hourihan, they were unable to equalise leaving the final score 1-0 to Naas.
Despite the loss they were many positives to take from the day, not least the excellent link play between players especially between the Niamh Ogilvie and Ciara Kelly, fantastic determination and effort by Lettie Hassett, and brilliant saves by fledgling goalkeeper Norah McGinty, The Management team of Orla, Judith and Keith were very proud of the performance of the squad both during the match and in their preparations. Well done all.
