Drumragh U14 girls lost to Aghyaran in the Silver League semi-final on Monday evening. It was a good performance from Drumragh, who had strong displays throughout the field.
Aghyaran went into an early lead and could have been further ahead only for excellent defending from Leah Kelly and Hollie Sloan. Goalkeeper Emelia Lowry also made a wonderful save midway through the half.
Drumragh soon got their first score of the game with Dearbhaille McLaughlin applying the finish after Lainhan Donnelly’s pass had created the chance. Chloe Colton had started the move by winning the ball back in defence. Dearbhaille then won the kickout that followed, drove through the home defence before firing over the bar.
Drumragh continued to grow in confidence and when Carrie Dillon and Lana Gormley combined to win the ball back, and it was then carried upfield by Niamh Colton. Niamh passed to Jennifer Barrett who sent a lovely score over the bar.
Drumragh were very much on the front foot towards the end of the half and can count themselves unfortunate not to have a few more scores on the board following good play from Beth Campbell, Lottie Gallagher and Sally Anne McCabe.
The home side were always a threat going forward, however, and added a goal late in the half, with Emelia Lowry making another excellent save right on the half-time whistle.
Niamh Colton, Drumragh’s captain, with the referee and Aghyaran captain before the start of the game
Aghyaran increased their lead at the start of the second half, but Drumragh responded through Lily Keys, who fired to the roof of the net after Emeli Cox and Niamh Colotn had sent her through on goal. Dearbahille McLaughlin then forced the Aghyaran goalkeeper into a good save.
A brilliant last-ditch interception from Carrie Dillon prevented Aghyaran from scoring a goal, but they were able to tag on a few scores as the game neared its conclusion. Drumragh, driven on by the substitutes, kept going to end and were rewarded with a couple of Lily Keys points, while Dearbhaille McLaughlin was also on target, a terrifc effort following a run from midfield.
SCORERS: Lily Keys 1-2, Dearbhaille McLaughlin 0-4, Jennifer Barrett 0-1
TEAM: Emelia Lowry, Lana Gormley, Carrie Dillon, Leah Kelly, Hollie Sloan, Niamh Colton, Chloe Colton, Jennifer Barrett, Dearbhaille McLaughlin, Emeli Cox, Beth Campbell, Lottie Gallagher, Lainhan Donnelly, Lily Keys, Sally Anne McCabe
SUBS: Amy Cox, Eireann Boyle, Myah Dillon, Chloe McSwiggan, Alanna Murray, Naomi Given
Drumragh defender Leah Kelly in action against Aghyaran on Monday evening
