U13 Girls V Killavilla

Our U13 girls played Killavilla this evening in Ballinree.
We had a minutes silence for our former groundsman Gerry O'Shea. Gerry, who sadly passed away yesterday, was very much loved around Ballymackey. Rest in peace, Gerry.

The game went straight into a high tempo with Killavilla putting pressure on us early. Unfortunately, they scored after only 2 minutes with a fortuitous goal that went in off one of our defenders. Ten minutes later, they were 2 up, and we looked in big trouble! Our girls really pulled up their sleeves from this point and got themselves into the game with a goal from Anna Gleeson. The game had more balance now, with both sides attacking each other. Killavilla scored again before the end of the half to make it 3-1 at half time.
The rain was pouring down now, and conditions were miserable! The teams continued to attack each other, and this time, we struck the net. It came from a penalty awarded to Amy Keogh, and it was the super Anna who dispatched it. 3 -2 now, and we were searching for an equaliser. This left us open a little at the back, and we conceded a goal from a fine counterattack. It was 4-2 and finished this way. Our girls put in an unbelievable shift in difficult conditions and against a very strong Killavilla team. Did I mention we had only 10 players!!! We played the whole game down a girl, and you wouldn't have thought it, such was the effort from each of the 10!
In goals was Katie Hartnett, solid as a rock, again!
Kate McGrath was right full and was very good again today, reading the game perfectly and snuffing out every threat coming her way. Molly O'Brien and Holly Fitzpatrick were unbelievable at centre back, they were flat out for the night!
Emily Ryan kept her side of the deal too, keeping the ball away from her left side. Elsa Fitzgerald and Amy Keogh were our wingers and both girls had fine games and brought a huge amount of energy to the game. Anna Gleeson and Caoimhe Manley were in mid field and these 2 girls were the engine of the team. They were everywhere! We had Maeve Quinn up front and Maeve had a hell of a game. She worked her socks off and caused problems for Killavilla all night!

Our player of the match was Anna Gleeson.

Thanks to Killavilla for a very competitive game and thanks to Bobby O'Connor for reffing!
Up Ballymackey 💪