Ladies make final four

COLERAINE Ladies ensure their name is in the hat for the semi-final of the Division Two League Cup after netting four goals against Mountjoy Ladies…

Coleraine Ladies progressed into the next round of the League Cup when they beat Mountjoy United for the second time this season. The Ladies travelled to Omagh and came away with a fine 4-1 victory.  

The Ladies started this match like any other by wanting to keep their good form going. Abbey Alexander missed a great opportunity to put the Bannsiders in front early on when Olivia Stewart done well down the right wing, but this didn’t put her off as on the 9th minute when Alison Nicholl played her in, she finished brilliantly into the bottom corner. Further chances all came and went for Kirsty Gillis, Alison Nicholl and Chelsea Moore.  

While at the other end the defence of Caitlin Gourley, Lizzy McNougher, Shairee McVey and Megan Alexander were doing their jobs as and when needed. On 36 minutes, Abbey Alexander played the ball wide to Kirsty Gillis who cut inside onto her right foot and struck the ball into the far corner leaving the ‘keeper with no chance.

Mountjoy quickly went on the break but Stripes ‘keeper Lynsey Hassan was quickly off her line to gather the ball up ensuring the striker didn’t get on the end of it. Sam Miskimmon was next to threaten for Coleraine but her long distance strike went narrowly wide. Megan Alexander then almost sneaked in a header from a corner as Coleraine went in two goals ahead at the break and looking worthy of it.  

Mountjoy then pulled a goal back from the penalty spot on the 53rd minute but Coleraine didn’t hang their heads as Kirsty Gillis hit the crossbar, Abbey Aexander then hit the post, before Chelsea Moore had her shot saved.  

However, Abbey Alexander then made it 3-1 after good play out from the back set Sam Miskimmon off who then played Abbey through on goal and she drilled her shot into the net from outside the box.

Mountjoy then pushed three players upfront but still got no joy as the defence continued to remain firm and strong in their play. This opened up more space for Coleraine to play their football and they did exactly that, which in turn allowed Abbey Alexander to get hat trick on the 87th minute. Skye Strickland almost got her first goal of the season when played in from a tight angle only for the keeper to save once again.  

Coleraine now play Belfast Celtic from the division above in the Super Cup on Monday night at home (Coleraine University). Kick off 7.30pm. All support welcome. 

COLERAINE: Lynsey Hassan (GK), Megan Alexander, Shairee McVey, Lizzy McNougher, Caitlin Gourley, Olivia Stewart (Alicia Wilkinson), Alison Nicholl, Sam Miskimmon, Kirsty Gillis, Abbey Alexander, Chelsea Moore (Skye Strickland).