The Terry Leyden Under-14 League got the Donegal Women’s League season up and running on Wednesday evening and there were big home wins for Lagan Harps, Finn Valley and Illistrin.
Lagan Harps 5 Mulroy Academy 0
A battle contested of two good sides, Una Hagan’s Mulroy Academy and John Canning’s Lagan Harps, fought a tough game (picture above from this game).
The game started brightly with both sides creating chances although Lagan dominated the early exchanges and took advantage as the first goal came from a Gabby O’Donnell cross that caused confusion in the Mulroy box leaving Rihanna Devenney to tap home from close range.
Mulroy’s defence stood strong and worked their way well into the game before half time.
In the second half the game was evenly balanced up until a good cross from Orla McGrath resulted in a penalty been given for a hand ball.
Shannon Cunningham stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted the ball low into the left-hand corner.
Mulroy were always a threat on the counter attack with good chances being created from left to right.
However, Lagan picked up the tempo, with good through balls from Erin Doherty, Clodagh Sweeney and Maria Bonner helped Lagan increase there lead with well taken goals from Jessica Leese (2) and Gabby O’Donnell.
Both sides cancelled each other out in the final stages with Mulroy unlucky not to break down a well marshalled Lagan defence.
Finn Valley 7 Bonagee United 0
Played in the Valley Leisure Centre Complex on a chilly evening. Valley won the toss and kicked off and after a few wayward passes and turnover of possession by both teams Valley soon had their first long range effort on goal.
As the half wore on both teams took time to settle and get a hold of the game.
The deadlock was broken when Codie Walshe took advantage of a defensive error from a Valley corner.
This opening goal seemed to steady the Valley girls as they began to take hold of the game and for some stern defending and good goalkeeping by Bonagee kept out the confident growing Valley.
Bonagee were were to have a chance to level the game when they capatalised on an under hit pass found themselves on the counter by a great run by the Bonagee right winger could only see her low crossed shot well held by the Valley ‘keeper.
Bonagee were soon undone just before half time when Rebecca McColgan converted her chance to leave Valley 2-0 at the break.
Bonagee set out their intent for the second half and came more into the game but Valley’ s defence stood firm and a fine weighted pass from skipper Rachel Lawne found Codie Walshe’s run and cooly slotted beyond the Bonagee ‘keeper.
Valley growing in confidence had carved out more chances and goals from Rebecca McColgan scoring two more times, Codie Walsh scoring once and then Brenda Carr getting on the scoreline as the game was coming to an end.
To their credit Bonagee fought till the final whistle and made the Valley girls work hard for their home win.
Illistrin FC 7 Swilly Rovers 1
Illistrin began the new Donegal Women’s League season in fine style on Wednesday evening with a win over Swilly Rovers.
Paddy McDaid’s team saw the in-form Rebekah McGlinchey net a hat-trick as they scored a big win.
Sinead McBride scored twice and Aislinn Coll also netted for the Illistrin side, while Orla Connelly netted a consolation goal for Swilly.
Results – U14 Terry Leyden League
Finn Valley 7-0 Bonagee United
Illistrin FC 7-1 Swilly Rovers
Lagan Harps 5-0 Mulroy Academy
U14 Terry Leyden League, Wednesday, April 12, 6.30pm
Gweedore United v Illistrin FC
Bonagee United v Swilly Rovers
Raphoe Town v Mulroy Academy
Finn Valley v Lagan Harps
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