Straight from the first whistle, Enniscorthy’s hunger was obvious. From push back, Enniscorthy attacked up the right side of the pitch, strong and accurate passing putting the home-side defence under pressure. Within two minutes, an attack up the right wing and a cross into the circle for a deflection by winger Olive Lett saw the ball in the back of the net and the first score on the board.
Enniscorthy were awarded two successive penalty corners minutes after, and a shot from forward Anna Flood struck just wide. Ten minutes into the first half, the visitors doubled their lead following yet another penalty corner. An injection from Anna Flood found captain Leah Chapman who passed left to Jessie Flood; her ball was saved by the home goalkeeper. An attentive Anna Flood, though, managed to nab the ball from the rebound and squeezed it past the 'keeper.
The Slaneysiders showed great skill as they executed excellent communication and passing, particularly between midfielders Laura Bailey, Leah Chapman and Jessie Flood. This exemplary teamwork once again paid off as Anna Flood received the ball worked up the right side of the pitch, and a cross destined for winger Hannah Sweeney was deflected into the goal by a Suttonians defender.
After half-time, Suttonians - who had upped the ante in the minutes before the break- continued to apply pressure and kept the visitors on their toes. An Enniscorthy long corner was cleared by the home side, and despite numerous counter-attacks from the hosts including a penalty corner, the Enniscorthy defence managed to keep a clean sheet. Shortly before the final whistle, an excellent pass up the line by right-back Hannah Graham found winger Anna Flood who drove into the circle and a powerful shot soared past the keeper and nestled itself inside the far post .
Enniscorthy Ladies 1st XI next league encounter - a crucial one with just four points separating the top four sides - will be against Skerries 2nd XI at home on Saturday. Enniscorthy currently lie second on goal difference to UCD, but crucially both the Students and third-placed Newbridge, as well as fourth-placed North Kildare, have games in hand over the Slaneysiders. This league is sure to go down to the wire.
Squad: Norah McGinty, Katie Owen, Julie Watchorn, Laura Smith, Hannah Graham, Laura Bailey, Leah Chapman, Jessie Flood, Hannah Graham, Anna Flood, Laura O’Leary, Susannah Doyle, May Wickham, Olive Lett
Coach: Donal Doyle