Our U12 girls put up a great display on Saturday against a strong and physically bigger Iveragh side, who had only lost once in their league campaign.
Despite missing some key players, due to illness and injury, Ballyhar started well and had a few early chances. However, despite good pressure and some nice play in midfield, Ballyhar found themselves 2 down. Lucy Wynne was causing the visitors defence problems up front but was lacking the support needed from midfield when she got into dangerous positions. Leanne Collins, who must be in contention for most improved player of the year, as well as Leah Cooper were working hard in the middle of the park all day but just couldn’t penetrate through the red wall of Iveragh girls.H/T 0-2
Early in the second half Lucy Wynne went on a fantastic mazy dribble, kept a cool head in the box to slot home another goal to add to the prolific Ballyhar striker's record, who is well into double figures for the season. Aoibhinn Daly’s introduction lead to more pressure on Iveragh’s left flank and Ballyhar nearly nicked an equaliser, only for Daly’s shot to fly past the post.
Ella Regan in goals (1st half) and Grace O'Sullivan in goal (2nd half) both made some good saves to keep the game alive. Anna Fitzgerald, Emily O Callaghan, Kate O'Connor (1st half) Seodin Scanlan, Faye O'Brien and Maria Scanlan ( 2nd half) were solid in defence and were really unlucky, when a goal mouth clearance rebounded to an Iveragh player who slotted home their 3rd to put the game beyond the Ballyhar girls. In the final minutes Anna Fitzgerald who was towering in defence was very unlucky when her free kick from the edge of the box was tipped over by the retreating Iveragh keeper. As the ref blew the final whistle, Ballyhar's attention now turns to the shield competition and after a good showing against a top side like Iveragh, the girls hope to have another crack at silverware this season. Best if luck to Iveragh in the next round.