COLERAINE Women travelled to Clarendon in Belfast to play an experienced 22nd Ladies team in NIWFA Division 2…
The Bannsiders started very brightly with a goal in opening minute by Shannon Friel after a subtle headed assisted from Katie Agnew.
Coleraine continued to show their creative spark by carving out sights of goal all evening, although it was 22nd Ladies who struck an opportunist equaliser.
Two more goals were exchanged by both sides as Sam Miskimmon’s game intelligence shone through to create and finish a chance from nothing but 22nd Ladies soon levelled for 2-2.
In an entertaining affair, the game flowed back and forth and Friel finished with aplomb to restore the Bannsiders’ lead at half time.
After the restart, Coleraine continued to pressurise and through Rachel Stewart and evergreen captain Shairee McVey – added to the introduction of Faye Colley – the defence was secure.
That safety at the back allowed the likes of Beth Grant, Zara Corrigan and Colley to create chances at the other end.
22nd played with their standard resilience although Coleraine’s young subs extended the lead late on with further goals from prolific Friel, Norah McCullough and a thunderbolt from the versatile Lucy Hollies.
A very positive start and work starts now to improve as the season progresses. It was fantastic to see the young players get opportunity with no less than seven teenagers on pitch.
