COLERAINE Women Reserves travelled to Larne this week for what proved to be one of the season’s most exciting fixtures…
The team started strong, executing Coach Simon’s game plan with precision. Just two minutes in, Vanessa Somerville expertly controlled the ball and played it wide to Cara Davies, who cut it back for Chelsea Moore. Spotting the keeper off her line, Chelsea Moore struck from distance to open the scoring.
Buoyed by the early goal, Coleraine struck again shortly after through a swift counterattack. A superb throw-in by Emer Reilly found Lindsay Norton, who neatly passed it off to Davies, making no mistake in hitting the back of the net for her first goal for the club.
On the stroke of half-time, the high press paid off with a corner. Emer Reilly latched onto a well-delivered ball, beat her marker with a dummy, and slotted home her first goal for the club as well.
After the break, a tactical shift from Wellington disrupted Coleraine’s rhythm. A defensive mix-up led to an own goal, followed by a well-worked second from the opposition in the 63rd minute.
Despite mounting pressure and tired legs, the defence — led by Emma Diamond, Somerville, Tina Connor, and Lindsay McNabb — stood firm. A stunning free kick from Moore found Kyla McGivern, who delivered an unbelievable long-range volley to make it 4–2.
Late attacks from Katie Miskimmin and Molly Kelly were unlucky not to add to the tally, and Wellington pulled one back in stoppage time to bring the final score to 4–3.
A thrilling encounter with outstanding goals and a strong team performance. We thank Wellington for their sportsmanship and wish them all the best for the rest of the season.