Taylor penalty secures win for Galway WFC

Galway WFC defeated Wexford Youths by a single goal to nil to progress to fourth place on the leaderboard in the Bus Eireann Women’s National League. It was a fast paced game from the kick off with both teams cancelling each other out at a windswept Eamonn Deacy Park this Sunday.

It started with both teams evenly matched with the visiting Wexford Youths making their presence known to the home team by not allowing them much time to breathe and neither team were given any chance for a shot on goal despite Wexford Youths winning six corners.

The first half ended scoreless with Wexford’s Katie McCarthy replacing Aoibhinn Webb at the break, while Galway WFC began the second half much more aggressively, shaking up the visitors.

Galway’s Lyndsy McKey sent a low ball just wide of the Wexford goal in the 47^th minute which was followed shortly after by a decent effort from Keara Cormican forcing Wexford’s Mary Rose Kelly to make a save.

Galway were awarded three free kicks in the space of six minutes while Wexford were really struggling to get the ball out of their own half.

Irish international Marie Curtin came on as a forward for Wexford to replace Amy Walsh in the 63^rd minute but the 67^th minute saw Galway’s McKey again curving the ball towards the net but her effort landed straight into Kelly’s hands.

Galway continued to dominate with some attractive footwork and controlled passing while Wexford fought to connect their passes up top.

Eleanor Stafford replaced Aoife Walsh in the 72^nd minute, adding a fresh pair of legs in midfield for Galway side and McKey was awarded a penalty in the 75^th minute when she was taken down just inside the box allowing Sinead Taylor to hammer the ball into the bottom left hand corner to give the Galwegians a 1-0 lead.

Following the goal, Wexford made another substitution, bringing on Lauren Dwyer for Linda Douglas. This change saw Wexford beginning to make progress up the field but the visitors were still finding it difficult to break down Galway’s solid defense.

Galway had another chance when Mckey sent in a dangerous cross to the far side of the goal that was narrowly missed by Lucy Hannon. Galway threatened again when Meabh De Burca sent a great ball to Mckey but was denied by Wexford’s Dwyer.

In the 89^th minute, Kelly was forced to make a cracking save when McKey fired a free kick from the left side of the box.

It looked as if Wexford might have a chance of levelling in the 90^th minute when the visitors were awarded a free kick around fifteen yards outside the box but the shot was sent wide. And Meabh De Burca received a yellow card in the 91^st minute for stopping a potentially dangerous Wexford attack.

This win sees Galway climb to fourth place to join Wexford Youths on 20 points.

Galway WFC: Melissa Casserly; Meabh De Burca, Caroline Carter, Shauna Fox, Keara Cormican; Jennifer Byrne, Aoife Walsh (Eleanor Stafford 72), Ruth Fahy, Sinead Taylor; Lucy Mannon, Lynsey McKey.
Subs not used: Aisling Hughes, Alana Moran, Meabh Coleman, Lisa Casserly, Ciara Lynagh, Susie Cunningham.

Bookings: Meabh De Burca (90+1)

Wexford Youths: Mary Rose Kelly; Jessica Gleeson, Kylie Murphy, Linda Douglas (Lauren Dwyer 77), Edel Kennedy; Rachel Hutchinson, Ciara Rossister, Aisling Frawley, Nicola Sinnott; Amy Walsh (Marie Curtin 63), Aoibinn Webb (Katie McCarthy 45).
Subs not used:  Tamara Furlong, Laura Heffernan, Claire O’Riordan, Jenny Clifford.

Bookings: None.