Donegal topple Peamount in EA Sports National League opener

Donegal opened their U-17 EA Sports National League campaign on Saturday with a fine win over year's runners up Peamount United thanks to goals from Jodie Loughrey and Orlaith Doherty.

Donegal U-17’s 2
Peamount United 1

The crowd was certainly entertained, with both teams showing their talents. Peamount took the lead after a mix up in the Donegal defence and in nipped Jessica Fitzgerald to round the advancing Leah McLoughlin in goal.

With five minutes gone though, Jodie Loughrey equalised from an Erin Doherty corner. Good combination play between Erika Gallagher and Erin Doherty whose thunderous shot came off the crossbar.

The industrious Nicole McDaid in the right linking with Siobhan Cameron delivering a cross which was palmed down by the Peamount Keeper Niamh Richardson, with Eva Blaney’s shot at the back post narrowly wide.

Peamount’s Kate Drumm was beginning to get on the ball, but the pace and drive was well marshalled by Emily Irwin and Darcey Kelly. Another great through ball by the hard working Keri Loughrey, to sister Jodie, whose shot was tipped wide by the Peamount keeper.

Peamount started the second half at a higher pace with Ellen Dolan bringing creativity in midfield, however Shania McMonagle led her defence and kept their composure to absorb the pressure and Leah McLoughlin tipped an Eimear Flood shot over the bar.

In the 71st minute, Niamh Sweeney was fouled in the left, Erin Doherty’s free kick was taken down by Nicole McDaid, for debutant Orlaith Doherty to round the keeper and into the net.

Megan McLoughlin then got on the end of Niamh Sweeney’s cross only to hit too high.

With 10 minutes remaining, Ella McHugh took up an important role of holding the ball to allow her fellow midfielders to advance, with the high intensity pace of the game starting to take its toll. Orlaith Doherty had a snapshot with minutes remaining, but the keeper pushed the ball wide.

Donegal: Leah McLaughlin, Siobhan Cameron, Emily Irwin (Niamh Sweeney, half-time), Shania McMonagle, Darcey Kelly, Erin Doherty (Ella McHugh 78), Nicole McDaid (Megan McLaughlin 72), Erika Gallagher, Keri Loughrey, Eva Blaney (Orlaith Doherty, half-time), Jodie Loughrey.

Peamount: Niamh Richardson, Caoimhe Connaughton, Hannah Martin, Mia McGonnell, Ellen Dolan, Eimear Flood (Della Gray 77), Jessica Fitzgerald, Eva Moloney (Aoife Richardson 45mins (Amy Green 82), Kaye Healy, Emily Gains (Anna Kelly, half-time), Kate Drumm.