Hard-working NECSL side hit three but still lose out

Shane Barrett

Inter-league 2009 Girls

MGL North 5-3 NECSL

Normally scoring three goals in any game would be enough to secure victory but that didn't prove to be the case for the NECSL as they lost out 5-3 to the MGL North in this Inter-league 2009 Girls encounter.

The NECSL girls in blue had the wind in the first half and quickly found themselves 2-0 up within 12 minutes. The first one was scored by Sarah Burke with a low driven ball into the corner past the keeper, with an assist from Orla Duruanyawu.

Then, A beautifully struck corner from Shauna-Kate Smyth,led to a goal mouth scramble and the girls were then 2-0 up.

The girls then started to settle in their positions, by pressing and not giving the MGL any time to play the ball. Unfortunately injuries struck the NECSL before half time, and with girls already out with injuries and sickness it forced the management to play girls out of position.

The MGL then got a goal back before half time with a lack of concentration costing the NECSL side. Suddenly the contest was back in the melting pot.

In the second half the MGL started very strongly. A tired NECSL side led to errors resulting in four successive goals for the MGL effectively putting the tie to bed.

Although the MGL were dominate in the second half the NECSL girls showed great determination and team spirit. As always the girls never gave up and managed to pull a goal back in the 65th minute through great link up play from Sarah Burke and Orla Duruanyawu again.

Among the NECSL players to really sparkle were Shauna Kate Smyth, Katie McNally, Sophia King, Sarah Burke and Michaela Cleary who put in and incredible shift and display of football on the day!