Carryduff 2 – 10 Saint Paul’s 3 - 2

Carryduff Minor Ladies commenced their Antrim Minor League campaign with a win over reigning Champions Saint Paul’s at Boucher Road on Sunday morning. Carryduff got off to a great start and dominated the early exchanges, but it was clear to see that this was the first game of the season, and due to some poor finishing and poor decision making in the last third of the pitch it was some minutes before they registered their first point from the boot of Aine Kerr. This was followed quickly by a second from Aine but then, against the run of play, Saint Paul’s scored 1 -1 to take the lead. Eimear McGrady who was outstanding throughout got a point back for Carryduff, but Saint Paul’s again countered with another goal. Jessica Foy brought Carryduff back into it when she caught the Saint Paul’s defence napping and converted a quick free kick straight to the net. The momentum swung back to Carryduff and further points from Jessica (free) and Megan Doherty put Carryduff back into the lead but then, on the stroke of half time, Saint Pauls found the net once more to leave the half time score at Carryduff 1 – 5 Sain Paul’s 3 -1.

A good start to the second half was essential but Carryduff continued to struggle to find their usual form and Saint Paul’s were the first to register with another point. However, the girls knuckled down and things started to improve. Chances came and went before Jessica again registered a point from a free. Then, Amy Hamill, one of the impressive Under 16s on the day added another before Jessica added a goal from play following some great work from Emily Duffy and Fiona McCauley in mid field to give Carryduff the lead. Valiant defence at the other end from Claire McGinnity, another Under 16 making her debut at this level, Clare Boyd, Orla McKay, Megan Connery, and Emily Hewitt kept Saint Paul’s out and ensured they were not to score again. Further points from Amy Hamill, Jessica Foy and Aine Kerr meant that Carryduff had their first win with a score of 2 – 10 to 3 -12.

Having this game under their belt will no doubt help the girls as they prepare for round 2 next week. Whilst not completely happy with the display, Management will be delighted with how the girls applied themselves and how they restricted Saint Paul’s to one point in the second half. Sian Clifford made some excellent stops in goal, all of the Under 16s making their debuts, Claire McGinnity, Amy Hamill, Katie Cunningham and Shannon Stronge acquitted themselves well and, in the forward line, whilst not registering scores, Siobhan Cunningham, Katie Magorrian and Catriona Hynes kept themselves busy and linked up continuously with play. Hopefully this is the start of a good run for Carryduff in this competition.