Michael Gildea
saw Waterford ladies football team get their Division 3 Tesco league campaign
off to a good start with a comprehensive win over last yearâs division 4 and
All Ireland Junior champions Offaly at the Gold Coast Sports Complex on Sunday
last. Despite the levels of rain that fell in the days before the match the
surface of the field was in excellent condition.
Waterford opened brightly and had two points on the board by
Michelle Ryan, before Emma Corcoran opened Offalyâs account in the 6th minute.
Michelle kicked her third point in the 8th minute before a purple patch by the
Waterford girls saw them stretch their lead with goals from Margaret Revins in
the 11th minute and Aileen Wall in the 13th with a point by RóisÃn Tobin in between
left Waterford in control, on the score line 2-4 to 0-1.
Offaly responded well with a goal from Aoife Corbett and
points from Niamh Malone and Orlagh Heavey (two) to cut the gap with half time
looming to two points. Michelle Ryan steadied the Waterford ship with a brace
of points just before the break to leave the half time score Waterford 2-6
Offaly 1-5
Waterford started the second half with a flourish and had
five unanswered points in the first 8 minutes from Michelle Ryan (two) Aileen
wall (two) and Margaret Revins to leave nine points between the sides. It could
have been much worse for Offaly had it not been for their goal keeper who made
a fine point blank save from Linda Wall.
The game was over as a contest in the 14th minute when a
speculative shot from Margaret Revins ended up in the back of the Offaly net to
leave twelve between the teams. Linda Wall increased the Deise lead with a
point in the 15th minute and five minutes later Aileen Wall brought her tally
to 1-3 for the day with a good point.
Waterford were now in total control and it gave manager Pat
O Brien an opportunity to introduce some new faces: Liz Devine was introduced
for Mairead Wall and Amy Whelan replaced Elaine Power. Hannah Landers got the
closing score of the match a point in the 23rd minute before being replaced by
Shauna Dunphy and Olivia Hennebry made her league debut replacing Megan O
Connor. Offaly tried hard to the very end and it took a brilliant save by
Waterford goalie Aimee Jordan to prevent the faithful county girls getting a
second goal.
Manager Pat O Brien will be pleased with the result and the
level of commitment and fitness shown by the girls in this match but is well
aware that there are more stern tasks ahead for the girls in the up coming
fixtures. Waterford must travel to Wexford next weekend to face the Model
County in round two.
Best for Waterford today was Karen Mc Grath who had an
excellent game at centre back, Michelle Ryan, Margaret Revins and Aileen Wall
took most of the scoring honours with a combined total of 3-11 between them.
Megan O Connor can be well proud of her National League debut with a fine game
at right half back.
Waterford lined out
as follows:
Aimee Jordan, Louise Ryan, Ciara Dunphy, Mary Foley, Megan O
Connor, Karen Mc Grath, Mairead Wall, Michelle Mc Grath, Elaine Power, Linda
Wall (0-1), Michelle Ryan (0-7), Roisin Tobin (0-1), Aileen Wall (1-3),
Margaret Revins (2-1), Hannah Landers (0-1).
Subs used Nora
Dunphy for Louise Ryan, Liz Devine for Mairead Wall, Amy Whelan for Elaine
Power, Shauna Dunphy for Hannah Landers and Olivia Hennebry for Megan O Connor.
