Enniscorthy ladies 1st team hosted Old Alexandra 4ths at the Astro Active Centre today, with the home side coming out on top with a 3-1 win in the Division 7 encounter.
Enniscorthy started off slowly, allowing Old Alexandra dominate possession but the defensive trio of Laura Smith, Katie Owens and Julie Watchorn held the visitors with ease. Instead it was Enniscorthy's Jessie Flood who broke the deadlock in the first ten minutes with a powerful finish.
The Dublin side, though, kept themselves in the game with an equaliser just before half time of what was a gripping encounter.
The visitors began the second half as they ended the first, peppering Nora McGinty's goal with numerous shots which McGinty proved a match for.
As Old Alexandra tired, Enniscorthy got their second wind, piling pressure on the visitors. One such attack gave Enniscorthy back the lead which they never relinquished. Hannah Sweeney recieved the ball on the left wing, pushed forward into the circle and swept the ball towards the top left corner. Her effort was saved by the goalkeeper putting it back into play, but Anna Flood pounced to send the rebound into the back of the net.
Enniscorthy's midfield of Olive Lett, Leah Chapman, Laura Bailey and Hannah Graham proved vital as tension built across the pitch, and it was from this base that forward May Wickham ensured all three points remained on Slaneyside.
As the clock ticked down into the last ten minutes Wickham recieved the ball on the right wing, advanced, and with sniper-like accuracy placed the ball in the top of the net with a rasping shot.
Enniscorthy remain tied with UCD 5th on top of Division 7, the Belfield side edging agead on goal difference. Newbridge - with a game in hand on both sides - take up third position on 29 points. Enniscorthy have a tough encounter ahead on Saturday as they visit fifth-placed Corinthians 3rd at St Columba's College.
Squad: Norah McGinty, Leah Chapman, Olive Lett, Jessie Flood, Anna Flood, May Wickham, Hannah Graham, Laura Smith, Julie Watchorn, Katie Owen, Hannah Sweeney, Roisin Treacy. Coach: Donal Doyle
