FAI Senior Challenge Cup

Stella Maris  2 - 0  Limerick FC

3 May 2009

 

Limerick FC Ladies bow out of FAI Senior Cup to Stella Maris

Limerick Ladies travelled to Dublin on Sunday last to take on Stella Maris in the 2nd round (last 16) of the FAI Umbro Women’s Senior Challenge Cup. Stella Maris have a strong foundation in ladies soccer and are the former club of Noel King, the current Republic of Ireland Women’s International Team Manager. They feature several current internationals from Ireland’s U17, U19 & Senior teams and hence are one of the top senior ladies teams in the country at present.

The game was played in brilliant sunshine and Stella Maris attacked right from the start, retaining most of the possession in the first 10 minutes as some of the Limerick players settled their nerves. However despite this Limerick were not really threatened with the midfield of Deirdre O’Doherty, Laura Hogan and Joan Ryan working well together and closing down their opponents. After this Limerick came more into the game but with 20 mins gone and following a Limerick corner Stella Maris broke quickly catching Limerick on the break and although the cover got back Stella Maris were awarded a penalty for hand ball in the box. Up stepped international Aine O’Gorman to score in the corner giving Michelle Clancy in the Limerick goal no chance.

Limerick did not let this get them down and fought back well winning a free wide on the left. Jenni Lyttle floated in the free which the Stella Maris keeper (U19 international) could not hold and Limerick were very unlucky not to get the equaliser from the resulting scramble in the 6 yard box when Aisling Hughes shot just wide. For the last 10 mins of the half Stella Maris took control again and were unlucky not to go 2-0 ahead when good interchange play down the centre of the pitch resulted in Aine O’Gorman being left with an open goal however luckily for Limerick she put her effort wide from just inside the right side of the box. Despite the pressure the defence of Sinéad Cusack, Jenni Lyttle, Ann-Marie Leahy and Avril Clancy were performing well and keeping clear cut chances to a minimum. 1-0 to Stella Maris at half time.

Limerick started the second half brightly and after 50 mins Laura Hogan treaded a neat ball through to the hard working Sheila McAteer only for the Stella keeper to save well. The game was quite open at this stage with both teams attacking but defences well on top. After about 60 mins Limerick again came close to equalising when a corner from the right by Kiara Hannon was headed on goal by Jenni Lyttle only to be saved by the Stella keeper.

Mid way through the half Carol Hickey came on to freshen up the Limerick midfield replacing the hard working Joan Ryan who had taken a knock. Stella Maris got the vital second goal on 65 mins when the ball broke kindly for the Stella midfielder just outside the box and the ball was passed inside the left of the box for the no 8 to slot home with a good finish to the bottom corner of the net. With Limerick legs tiring Stella Maris upped the pressure after this. Limerick brought on fresh legs with Natalie Bromell replacing Avril Clancy and Aine McCormack replacing Ashling Hughes but to no avail. Stella Maris finished the stronger with Michelle Clancy keeping Limerick in the game with two fine saves as the game neared an end.

The Limerick Ladies should not be down heartened with this result given the strength of the opposition who had six internationals in various guises on their team. Best on the day for Limerick were Sinéad Cusack, Jenni Lyttle, Ann-Marie Leahy, Deirdre O’Doherty, Joan Ryan and the tireless Sheila McAteer who worked her socks off all day as the lone Limerick striker.

Team:
Michelle Clancy, Sinéad Cusack, Avril Clancy (Natalie Bromell), Jenni Lyttle, Ann-Marie Leahy, Deirdre O’Doherty, Kiara Hannon, Laura Hogan, Sheila McAteer, Joan Ryan (Carol Hickey), Ashling Hughes (Aine McCormack).
Subs not used:
Natalie Walsh, Laura O’Connor, Shona Ryan, Kathy Whelan.

 

Match Report: Trevor Lyttle