The Ladies 2s (Reigning Champions) went out in force on a balmy Saturday morning ready to defend their title as they headed into the second round of the cup. With a slow start to the morning and a missing match card, we pulled it together just in time for the starting whistle. Up against North Kildare we knew it would be a tough match and needed to bring our A – Game. With a full squad for tired legs there was no stopping us…

North Kildare came out fighting from the start and we certainly fought back, they took their chances in the D and won a short corner which got them the first goal. We can’t deny that North Kildare have extremely well executed short corners but at least we have better names for ours, we kept our heads up and got ourselves a perfectly legal goal of our own. After a short half time pep talk, we managed to win more possession, putting together strong passes and playing some fantastic hockey, despite some slippery sidelines…

With our new game plan of Jacqui doing what she does best, and leaving the other girls to make the clean tackles, we made it difficult for the opposition to get into our 25, not even a controversial green card handed out could help them now. The final whistle blew resulting in a 2-2 draw. With 5-minute silver goal ahead of us we downed some water and got ready for the challenge to come. After a fantastic team effort, Clontarf scored, and then held possession until the whistle was blown up. The crowd went wild and we sailed into the next round of the cup. Bring it On Kilkenny! Thanks to all the great supporters who cheer us on every week.

With Dee ready to make her comeback this Saturday, the banter bus is packing up and ready to head to North Kildare for an 11:30 game , sure to be another eventful match. Well done to Hayley Manning for Man of the Match.

 

Match: Clontarf Ladies 2s vs North Kildare in the Division 5/6 Cup, 02/12/2017

Result: 3-2

Goals: Lauren McClean, Hayley Manning x2

Written by: Hayley Manning