Drumbar U-16 girls bow out to impressive Portlaoise AFC side

Drumbar United competed well in the Round of 32 SFAI U-16 girls competition but they came up against a very good Portlaoise side at the Drumbar grounds on Saturday.

Drumbar United 1
Portlaoise 3

It was a successful return for former Drumbar United player, Connell Breslin, who has a star-studded panel at his disposal, including his own daughter, Ciara.

While Portlaoise were full value for the final scoreline, there was only small margins in the difference between the sides. The home side will feel that they gifted two goals to Portlaoise in the second quarter, after competing very well up to the 23rd minute.

There were standout performers for both sides with the Portlaoise left back, Niamh Dundon, putting in a fabulous performance. She is on her way to the Athlone Town Academy along with ‘keeper Doireann Brennan while Laura Breslin is bound for Wexford Town.

There was a good attendance at the tie on a lovely afternoon for football, with a sizeable visiting support for Portlaoise.

If there was one player that didn’t deserve to be on the losing side, it was Maeve Brady of Drumbar United, who gave her heart and soul in the game. Not only did she head the only goal for the home side, but she put her body on the line time after time and needed attention after two incidents in the opening half, firstly blocking a Portlaoise clearance and then involved in an accidental clash with a fellow player.

The McGuinness girls from Killybegs were also influential while Sara Thomas and Sarah Colhoun never gave in to the very end.

The Drumbar United defence had plenty to do in the opening minutes but were not troubled with the first real chance falling to Sarah Thomas on seven minutes after a through pass from Brady. 

Sarah McGuinness was almost in on goal on 18 minutes before the breakthrough goal came on 23 minutes. A clearance by Drumbar United ‘keeper was blocked and Leah Brennan was left with an easy finish.

Clara McGuinness almost got on the end of a through ball and Sarah Thomas beat the ‘keeper but her shot was just off target.

Ciara Breslin then had a major impact on the game, firstly drawing a great save from Lauren McArdle and then being taken down for a free kick on 39 minutes.  From the kick Hollie Murphy found the top corner to leave Portlaoise ahead 2-0 at the break.

Substitute Maisie Kerry hit the third on 50 minutes to make it a real uphill struggle for the home side.

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Drumbar just found it difficult to get past a very stubborn Portlaoise back four. They did get a goal back on 68 minutes when a corner from Lucy Ward was headed home by Maeve Brady.

Both sides had further chances with McArdle making a great double save for Drumbar while Sara Thomas, Florence Naughton and Emily Slater had half-chances to cut the lead.

Drumbar United: Lauren McArdle, Hannah Leape, Zoe Murray, Florence Naughton, Megan Murphy, Maeve Brady, Sarah McGuinness, Clara McGuinness, Sara Thomas, Sarah Colhoun, Lucy Ward. Substitutes: Teagan O’Reilly, Laoise McBride, Emily Slater, Amy Ward, Michaele Hanna.

Portlaoise: Doireann Brennan, Hollie Murphy, Niamh Dundon, Emma Frances, Emily Flynn, Aoibheann Burke, Leah Brophy, Leah Brennan, Ciara Breslin, Keelin Moore, Sally Morgan. Substitutes: Anna Keegan, Saoirse Carroll Connell, Maisie Kerry, Lucy Moran, Elizabeth O’Connor, Lily O’Meara.

Referee: George Clinton.