Drumragh U14 girls travelled to Strabane to take on the home side in a league game on Sunday morning.
Strabane established an early lead, but Drumragh didn’t have to wait long for their opening score, and it came after a brilliant team move. It started in defence with Myah Dillon and Lana Gormley combining to win back possession in the full-back line. The ball was then moved up field at pace through the hands of Olivia Montague, Emeli Cox and Jennifer Barrett and eventually to Dearbhaille McLaughlin. Dearbhaille did well to go past a few defenders before firing to the back of the net for an excellent goal.
Emelia Lowry then quickly added a good point from play after Lily Keys, Eirean Boyle and Naomi Given had created the chance. From the kickout Jennifer Barrett won the ball and drove forward. Jennifer then exchanged passes with Emeli Cox and fed the ball to Dearbhaille McLaughlin. Dearbhaille was fouled, and from the free, she went for goal and expertly picked out the top corner of the net.
Alanna Murray and Niamh Colton were driving forward from the half-back line, and with Jennifer Barrett and Dearbahille McLaughlin adding support from midfield, Drumragh were unfortunate not to score with a few opportunities that were well created.
Drumragh goalkeeper Chloe Colton made a few good saves while Amy Cox, Lily McAleer and Myah Dillon also managed to stop a number of dangerous Strabane attacks. The home side did though manage to increase their lead before the half-time whistle.
Drumragh captain Lily Keys pictured with the Strabane captain and referee ahead of the game on Sunday
Strabane added to their tally at the beginning of the second half. At the other end of the field, Naomi Given set up a chance for Lily Keys who forced the Strabane goalkeeper into a good save.
Mia McGale, Emelia Lowry and Chloe McSwiggan worked hard to force a turnover, with the ball falling to Lottie Gallagher. Lottie drove through the home defence and fired over an excellent point from play.
The home side kept up the pressure with Chloe Colton, Lana Gormley and Alanna Murray performing well in the Drumragh defence. Drumragh then got in for the final score of the game following a well-worked team move. Olivia Montague started it by winning a kickout, Dearbhaille McLaughlin carried possession forward and her pass inside allowed Lily Keys to strike the ball past the Strabane goalkeeper for a great goal.
SCORERS: Dearbahille McLaughlin 2-0, Lily Keys 1-0, Emelia Lowry 0-1, Lottie Gallagher 0-1
TEAM: Chloe Colton, Amy Cox, Myah Dillon, Lana Gormley, Alanna Murray, Niamh Colton, Olivia Montague, Jennifer Barrett, Dearbhaille McLaughlin, Eireann Boyle, Emelia Lowry, Emeli Cox, Lottie Gallagher, Lily Keys, Naomi Given
SUBS: Chloe McSwiggan, Mia McGale, Lily McAleer
Alanna Murray in possession for Drumragh against Strabane on Sunday morning
