FINN VALLEY AND Glenree United played out a thrilling 3-3 draw last night in Stranorlar in the Donegal Women’s League.
Finn Valley 3 Glenree United 3
Both teams served up a cracking game of football, full of skill, determination, strong tackles, great defending, brilliant goalkeeping and six goals to boot.
The teams entered this one on the back of defeats, Finn Valley losing to Lagan last week with Glenree (pictured above) beaten by Bonagee United.
[adrotate group=”43″]The game began at a blistering pace with both sides prepared to attack.
Glenree had a few early chances but Caitlin O’Loughlin in the Valley nets was determined not to be beaten and made a number of fine saves.
Valley made an early change on 15 minutes, when Clara Bradley replaced the injured Louise Roddy at centre back and went on to partner Aisling Grieve admirably for the rest of the match.
[adrotate group=”37″]Lisa McCafferty was denied by a fine save from Claire Friel in the Glenree nets on 26 minutes.
Three minutes later a Ridhcheall Doherty pass to Lyndsay McElchar saw Valley take a deserved lead.
Valley pressed for more with excellent wing play by both wing backs Dina Patton and Cathy Callaghan driven on by captain Christina Lawne.
As the half wore on Aoife Gillespie was showing some silky skills and blistering pace down the right wing for the home side.
[adrotate group=”70″]Glenree continued to counter attack and on the stroke of half time drew level when Denise Doherty found the net.
The second half began with Glenree taking the game to Finn Valley with Julie Trearty having a great game on the wing and combining well with Brenda Sweeney.
Both defences stood strong with Danielle Doherty outstanding for the visitors and Aisling Grieve commanding for the home side.
A moment of brilliance on 68 minutes saw Aoife Gillespie fly past four players before dispatching a rasping shot which gave Valley the lead.
Valley were now gaining in confidence and within three minutes Valley scored again when Lyndsay McElchar got her second and Valley’s third with a great shot from the edge of the box.
Valley suffered a few injuries as the match drew on. Jenny McMenamin replaced Ridhcheall Doherty and made a number of good runs into the Glenree defence. Sustained Glenree pressure resulted in Brenda Sweeney scoring with a high shot under the bar on 68 minutes.
This gave Glenree heart and they drew level on 77 minutes when Denise Doherty scored after confusion in the Valley defence.
Both sides tried to get a winner but the warm conditions told in the end with both sides relieved to hear Dessie McLaughlin’s final whistle.
This evening, Bonagee United host Lagan Harps at Dry Arch Park.
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