FAI Schools Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup Semi Final
Friday, January 18, 2019
St. Laurence College, Loughlinstown 2-0 Midleton College, Cork
Chloe Matthews (3), Jessie Morrissey (15)
Last season’s beaten finalists Midleton College, Cork were dumped out of the Cup yesterday following a brace of first half goals from the Leinster Champions, St. Laurence College of Loughlinstown.
Kenneth O’Neill’s side suffered a massive blow in the build-up to the clash as the versatile Rosie Speakman was ruled out. The hockey starlet played a friendly in the school the evening before and picked up a hamstring injury which ensured her absence from the National Cup semi-final showdown.
However the Cork side were nearly one up inside the first two minutes when Hannah Roch Perks beat Courtney Maguire in the goalmouth only for her effort to hit the outside of the post.
John Rowe’s side responded immediately with Chloe Matthews converting at the far post.
Midleton were forced into an early substitution with seven minutes on the clock when Eabha Collins limped off, making way for Holly Kennedy.
Laurence’s double came 15 minutes in when Jessie Morrissey converted a powerful free kick from 20 yards out to deceive Rachel Barry at the top corner.
Midleton Captain Shirley Bailey carved out a brilliant chance to drag a goal back but unfortunately her strike went agonising wide of the mark with twenty minutes played.
The Loughlinstown ladies went into the interval two up but could O’Neill rally his troops for a magically comeback, something they had achieved in the provincial decider against Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton in a nine goal thriller however it wasn’t to be as the Loughlinstown defence stayed alert to the impending threat.
Substitute Kennedy had the only real chance in the second half as the hour mark approached. Her rocket again hit the post much to Midleton’s frustration.
Rowe’s charges will now face last season’s winners Mulroy College, Milford in the Senior ‘B’ Girls National Cup Final which is scheduled for Wednesday, January 30 (1pm). Venue to be confirmed.
ST. LAURENCE COLLEGE, LOUGHLINSTOWN | Courtney Maguire, Lana Doyle, Suranne Williams, Bobbi Downer, Jessie Morrissey (Captain), Chloe Matthews, Lily Murphy, Rebecca Prenter, Angel Finnerty, Zoe Kelly, Ava Gibson Doyle
SUBS | Kim Peel, Karla Loughrey, Katie Steemson
TEACHER | John Rowe
MIDLETON COLLEGE, CORK | Rachel Barry, Rachel Stuart, Meadbh McCarthy, Faye Grandon, Niamh Codd, Zara Bowles, Aoife Mitchell, Rachel O’Sullivan, Shirley Bailey (Captain), Hannah Roch Perks, Eabha Collins
SUBS | Holly Kennedy for Collins (7 mins), Katelyn O’Neill, Alana Brennan, Ciara Fives, Isabella Barry
TEACHER | Kenneth O’Neill COACH | Jason Brown
REFEREE | John Ferncombe(Waterford)
