First Year B Plate Final Match Report

A brisk start by both teams brought early goalmouth action for Loreto driven by the strong mid field pairing of Sarah O’Hara and Ali O’Neil feeding captain Georgia McDonnell and Sarah Lily up front. The cohesive work of Megan Walsh and Aoife Aherne, supported by the ever present Alannah Murphy in the sweeper role gave Loreto a solid defence with the ability to counter attack with regular ball feeds up the line which Ali and Sarah executed well.

Super goalie Sally Dalton was ever present and ready for every incoming ball. A fast ball played in by the Loreto defence saw a goalmouth scramble which Sarah Lily executed into the back of the net to take the lead. The Pembroke counter attack was quick and delivered an equaliser just before half time.

First half substitutions saw strong performances from Lara Nathan and Clodagh Evans in mid field and up front we saw gutsy play from Niamh Morgan and Eve (Macker!) McCaulay. The second half was end to end heart stopping play with chances for both teams. Strong defence and great goalkeeping from both sides prevented any more goals in normal play and the match ended 1-1.

Key players from the Loreto B squad who did not play on the day were supporting their team from the side lines and these girls, Emma Whelan, Eve Cosgrove, Lily Marron and Katie Foran played an integral role throughout the season.

Extra time saw each team giving 110% with some great opportunities saved by both goalies. With the final whistle of extra time, we gathered our thoughts and picked our 5 shooters for the 1 v 1’s. Megan, Alannah, Ali, Sarah Lily, Captain Georgia and legend goalie Sally stepped up to the plate. Following a combination of brave goalkeeping from Sally and three goals from the shooters, Loreto were crowned 2016 Junior B Plate Champions!

Congrats also to Coach Richie and Managers Alan Morgan and Gavin O’Hara who put in massive effort this season and who the biggest smiles on their faces as Captain Georgia McDonnell lifted the Trophy.