YMCA PROGRESS TO UK FINAL
AN under strength YMCA Girls side produced the performance of the season at Hagan Park, Coagh, on Saturday against arch rivals and league winners Linfield Ladies in front of a very large crowd to lift the NI U16 Tesco Cup.
Linfield, buoyant after their league play-off victory over YMCA three days earlier started brightly and had YMCA under pressure from the kick-off. YMCA however, began to find their way and gradually played themselves into the match and shocked Linfield on the 20th minute mark when a good move involving Lauren Wade and Claragh Connor resulted in Connor firing an unstoppable shot past the Nicole Adams in the Linfield goal.
Linfield came roaring back looking for the equaliser but they found YMCA keeper Alice Harkness in outstanding form with superb handling and marshalling of her defence.
In the second half YMCA started to exert their influence with Wade putting a through ball into Hanna Kilgore who had her shot saved by Adams. Wade hit the post twice before eventually cutting through the Linfield defence in the 60th minute to shoot home. Linfield replied instantly when Rebecca McConnell hit a marvelous strike from 25 yards out, leaving Alice Harkness in the YMCA goal helpless.
The final quarter of the game was a torrid affair with the Blues pressing for the equaliser and YMCA trying to seal the match. Both sides went close on a number of occasions, but the YMCA defence of Archibald, Holly, Nicholas and Laverty were simply superb. Jubilant scenes were witnessed when the final whistle sounded and the large crowd of travelling YMCA fans went into raptures.
Final score: YMCA Girls 2 - 1 Linfield Ladies
Ambassador of Tesco and former Northern Ireland manager Bryan Hamilton and Irish FA President Raymond Kennedy were in attendance at the final. Speaking after the event Bryan commented: “This was a fantastic game of football with both teams playing some excellent football. Hagan Park is a fantastic venue and on behalf of Tesco and the Irish FA I would like to thank Coagh United football Club for hosting the finals.”
Irish FA President Raymond Kennedy also alluded to the high standard of play at the final commenting that: “The game was extremely exciting with some excellent goals. This was a great advertisement for girls' junior football in Northern Ireland and I wish YMCA the best of luck at the National Finals in Bolton on the 24 May.”
U16 Tesco Cup Awards
Best Defender - Charlotte Howie (Linfield)
Best Midfielder - Danielle Ennis (Linfield)
Best Forward - Lauren Wade (YMCA)
Best Goalkeeper - Alice Harkness (YMCA)
U16 Player of the Tournament - Lauren Wade (YMCA)
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