February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Harps 3, An Beal Bocht 1
Harps won their first league title with an impressive performance against Beal Bocht at the weekend.
This was a very entertaining and hard-fought game between the best two teams in the league.
Harps began the game looking like champions. Midfielders Norma McCarthy and Alyson Kaye were creating numerous chances for the Harps forwards.
In the fifth minute, Harps took the lead when Hilary Potkewitz crossed the ball from the right wing for Sandra Swinbourne to volley into the net. It could have been more when Karen Shalvey, then Swinbourne again just missed.
As the half wore on, Beal Bocht began to settle better and Mary McElvoy was starting to create some chances for her team. One of her free kicks on the edge of the box almost brought the equalizer when the ball smashed against the post.
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A few minutes later, Beal Bocht hit the post again after a scramble in the Harps’ box. The pressure finally paid off for Beal Bocht when a speculative by Andrea McCarthy lob sailed into the Harps net.
With the score tied 1-1 at halftime, the second half began at a furious pace, both teams trying to get the lead. It was Beal Bocht who were getting the better possession and looked most likely to score. Sophia Harvey was proving a big threat for Beal Bocht. However, Una Cronin, Nancy Molovan and Katie McNeil were strong on defense. Chris Gallagher in the Harps’ goal had an outstanding second half, making some fine saves from the Beal Bocht forwards. At full time the teams were still level.
As the first half of extra time began, the Harps began to find some space up front as Beal Bocht tired.
A cross into the box by Alyson Kaye was fumbled by the keeper and there was Marie Flood to finish from close range to give the Harps the lead. Beal Bocht came right back causing pressure with a lot of corner kicks but could not find a way through.
In the second period of extra time, Harps got the third goal when Sandra Swinbourne got her second racing on to a through ball she shot low into the corner of the net.
Best for Harps, Chris Gallagher, Sandra Swinbourne and Maureen Ennis.
Fiona’s 2, Southbend 1
Fiona’s won the Shield final in a tough game against Southbend.
Both teams seemed nervous at the start and this didn’t allow for good football.
Fiona’s took the lead when Ann Ryan took advantage of some sloppy defense and hit a powerful shot into the net.
Southbend began to create some chances and got the equalizer just before half time.
In the second half, Michele Davis received the ball on the edge of the box and drilled a low shot past the Southbend keeper for what turned out to be the winning goal.