More options pleases Nicholl

COLERAINE Ladies manager Alison Nicholl reflected on her side losing in the opening round of the Super Cup to St Oliver Plunkett 1969…

The Bannsiders had taken a two-goal lead in Belfast but failed to capitalise on their good start as they were beaten 5-2.

Nicholl revealed that she was missing several key players for the fixture but wished the team from Division Two all the best for the next round.

“We had a very depleted squad for the first round of the Super Cup against St Oliver Plunkett FC,” she said.

“We had 11 players available with the rest isolating, working or on holidays.

“We started quite brightly and took the lead as I passed the ball to Abby Alexander in midfield and she drove forward and slotted the ball home.

“Things got even better as we doubled our lead as Abby played me through and I lobbed the ‘keeper.

“However, our concentration went and Plunkett’s are a good side and they scored three goals before the break to lead 3-2.

“The second half was end to end and we were very much in the game but Plunkett’s added a fourth with a good finish from their right winger.

“Five minutes before the end, they got a fifth which was probably harsh on our side as it was tighter game than the scoreline suggests.

“However, we wish Plunkett’s well for the next round and credit to them for taking the game to us as they are a division below us.”

Coleraine next face Ballymacash at the University tomorrow night (KO 7:30pm) and Nicholl is delighted to have more players at her disposal.

“We now look forward to our league clash against Ballymacash tomorrow evening,” she added.

“Ballymoney beat them 6-0 in the Super Cup on Monday night and that was a great result.

“Ballymacash haven’t lost too many games this season and currently sit second in the table, so they will be looking to bounce back.

“We will have more players available and we hope to see as many supporters come down to spur us on.”