NEW SIGNING Geraldine McLaughlin was among the goals last night as Bonagee United took a giant step towards winning the North West Women’s Super League.
Bonagee United 6 Culdaff FC 1
Pictures by Joe Boland, North West News Pix
McLaughlin was sprung from the bench early in the second half as Bonagee overcame Culdaff to move within one win securing their first ever senior ladies title.
Goals from Amy Boyd, Natalie McFadden and Kaneshia McKinney had Bonagee 3-0 up at the break. While Tara O’Connor pulled one back for the energetic Culdaff, further strikes by McFadden, McLaughlin and Alice Diver made the win safe for the hosts.
Bonagee hit the front after just seven minutes when Boyd fired high into the roof of the net from McFadden’s ball across the danger zone.
Bonagee quickly doubled the lead when McFadden managed to get free in the penalty area to slot home.
McKinney made it 3-0 when she riffled in off the inside of the post after McFadden worked the chance on the left edge of the area.
Culdaff boss Edward Ruddy included Republic of Ireland U17 international Erin Fildara McLaughlin in attack on a week when she hit two goals for the Girls in Green against Belgium.
McLaughlin and O’Connor always seemed threatening and Bonagee twice got away with some sloppy play at the back before the break, with ‘keeper Claire Friel managing to smother a second attempt by O’Connor.
McLaughlin tried her luck from a free, but Friel was able to gather and Bonagee headed for the half-time break with a firm cushion.
O’Connor surged clear after Culdaff broke from a Bonagee corner to slot low to the bottom corner in spite of the valiant attempts of Maureen O’Donnell.
Diver’s superb threaded ball put McFadden in and she arrowed into the top corner for number four.
Danielle Houghton, the Culdaff ‘keeper made fine saves to deny Diver and McLaughlin, while McLaughlin slalomed in only to prod inches wide of the post.
McLaughlin teed Diver up on the edge of the area and the midfielder made no mistake with a fine left-footed finish.
McLaughlin added the final goal and it was a deserved one for the Termon woman, who tucked home after bursting clear.
While Bonagee can seal the deal next week, the Dry Arch side will be very mindful that their next assignment takes them to the home of reigning champions Illies Celtic.
Bonagee United: Clare Friel, Denise McElhinney, Maureen O’Donnell, Suzanne Gordon, Siobhan Sweeney, Chantelle Grant, Alice Diver, Kaneshia McKinney, Amy Boyd, Natalie McFadden, Deborah Kerrigan. Subs used: Geraldine McLaughlin, Niamh Wallace, Maria Carr, Claire Orr, Julie McCloy.
Culdaff FC: Danielle Houghton, Cliona Gibbons, Keri Stevens, Cathy Doherty, Aoife Bell, Mary Jane Doherty, Shauna Ruddy, Tara O’Connor, Erin McLaughlin, Ellen Ruddy, Aishling Gibbons. Subs used: Mariah Doherty, Elaine McLaughlin, Claire McLaughlin.
Referee: Liam McLaughlin.
