Enniscorthy ladies 1st XI made the journey up to Newbridge this weekend (October 7th) in a bid to make it two wins out of three in the Leinster League.
Little was known about the Newbridge side, but the Slaneysiders did not fail to impress, starting off strongly from the very beginning, proof that coaches Donal Doyle, Alan Smith and manager Irene Doyle's hard work was starting to pay off. In the first twenty minutes the away team dictated the play , with four short corners in fifteen minutes. The best chance in this opening period fell to Anna Flood following an Avril Buttle pass. Forwards Hannah Sweeny, Avril Buttle, Roisin Treacy and Sonja Rynhart all had chances but finally the hard work paid off when Anna Flood's strike slapped the back of the goal. Flood later had a chance to double the lead but her effort was disallowed.
In the second half Newbridge upped their game but backs Leah Chapman, Julie Watchorn, May Whickham and Serena Hatton played the ball superbly around the back switching play around to each side, and also defending Newbridge's only penalty corner, leaving goalkeeper Alice Medcalf with very little work to do. Quickly taken hit outs from Julie Watchorn created cracks in the Kildare side's press, leaving room for the midfield line of Marti Rudd, Laura Smith and Laura Bailey to switch the ball quickly around the pitch. Against the run of play but after good team work, Newbridge levelled the match.
The Enniscorthy side's press was proven to be effective as the home team had no option but to try hammer the ball through the press, unfortunately for the hosts they did not succeed, time after time the visitor's midfield swept up possession, and in the last few minutes a crucial goal from Roisin Treacy restored Enniscorthy's lead.
Exceptional team work and work ethic made the trip home much shorter and very worth while. The ladies will now face their next opposition Old Alex next Saturday
Squad: Alice Medcalf, Julie Watchorn, Serena Hatton, Leah Chapman, May Wickham, Marti Rudd, Laura Smith, Laura Bailey, Sonja Rynhart, Anna Flood, Hannah Sweeny, Roisin Treacy, Avril Buttle
See match gallery here
