Moville Community College 3/2 Eureka Secondary School, Kells
Aine McLaughlin (53) Sarah Jane McDonald (57, 77), Roisin McFadden (32, 50)
Moville Community College came from two goals down to defeat last year’s All Ireland finalists Eureka Secondary School, Kells in a pulsating tie at Monaghan United FC yesterday afternoon (March 6)
The second half produced a frenzy of goals following Roisin McFadden’s earlier goal just before the interval: The game looked to be heading into extra time but Sarah Jane McDonald was on hand to slot home the winner for Moville three minutes from time:
Gemma McGuinness was a marked absentee from Mulhall’s starting selection: The U17 International picked up an ankle injury which ruled out of contention for the semi final fixture:
Both sides were evenly matched as they entered the fray: Moville enjoyed the opening twenty minutes with a long range effort from Charmaine McDermott working Jennifer Newman in goal: The keeper did exceptionally well to tip the screamer over her crossbar: The resulting corner was on target as Sarah Jane McDonald’s header to the near post went agonising wide:
However it was Eureka that registered the all important goal on 32 minutes as Roisin McFadden slotted home following excellent work from fellow student Aine Bennett as she contested a 50/50 ball on the edge of the 18 yard line to release McFadden: The youngster blasted the ball past McLaughlin’s left post on the edge of the six yard line:
Kells got the perfect start to the second half, ten minutes in, with McFadden registering her second of the afternoon from close range:
Their two goal cushion was short lived as three minutes on, Aine McLaughlin got one back to instigate a Moville revival:
The equaliser came on 57 minutes when Eimear Lafferty executed a well positioned pass to Sarah Jane McDonald through the centre channel to release a stinging effort that left Newman stranded:
Joanne Byrne got in on the action just on the hour mark but her effort from a set piece was palmed away to safety from the Moville net minder:
Shianne Swarres also tested the keeper from distance in the final quarter of the game: McLaughlin spilled the ball through her hands but the loose ball went over the end line to save her blushes:
The match winner came from the inform U15 International Schools striker Sarah Jane McDonald three minutes from time to ensure an empathic comeback as Kells looked to advance in extra time:
Kells were unfortunate not to equalise in the dying minutes of the game as Joanne Byrne’s free kick found Swarres at the near post: Her effort just clipping the woodwork much to the frustration of Leonard Noone and his crew
Eureka will not get the opportunity to avenge last year’s All Ireland defeat at the hands of Ulster outfit Loreto, Letterkenny as a wonderful comeback from Moville merit their advancement this season:
Moville will have to await the outcome of the other semi final encounter as Christ the King Girls’ Secondary School take on Ursuline College, Sligo in Leah Victoria Park, Tullamore Town on Thursday, March 8 KO 12:30pm
The All Ireland Final is down for contention on Wednesday, March 21 so Mulhall will have ample time to prepare her troops for battle:
MOVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Leanna McLaughlin, Rebekah Henry, Melissa McDermott, Charmaine McDermott, Kathy McLaughlin, Shannon McDonald (Danielle Carey), Aine McLaughlin, Roma McLaughlin, Eimear Lafferty, Sarah Jane McDonald, Orla Farren (Kathleen McNaughton)
Subs: Catriona Grant, Nicole McDermott
Teacher: Margaret Mulhall, Seamus Gallagher
EUREKA SECONDARY SCHOOL: Jennifer Newman; Kelly Tormey, Niamh O’Keefe, Roisin McFadden, Aoife Brady (Rebecca Goodwin), Sharon Mullen, Joanna Byrne, Jackie Kavanagh, Shianne Swarres, Leah Newman, Aine Bennett,
Subs: Ciara Carry, Edwina Olwill, Cara Brady
Teacher: Leonard Noone
Referee: Michael Gallagher (Monaghan/Cavan)