WNL Report: Raheny United 3 - 2 Galway WFC

Raheny United returned to winning ways in the Women’s National League after a hard fought win over Galway WFC in Morton Stadium thanks to a hat trick from an in form Katie McCabe.

Galway started the game the brightest and were quick out the blocks straight from the kick off, with the first chance of the game falling to Meabh De Burca as Raheny struggled to get into the game at all.

Galway forced four consecutive throw ins in quick succession before De Burca then dragged another attempt wide of the target. The visitors continued to press hard for the opening goal of the game with Ruth Fahy forcing a good stop from Pandas keeper Niamh Reid Bourke.

The first goal of the game came completely against the run of play when Keeva Keenan took a throw in, laying the ball of to Katie McCabe who let fly from outside the box and her shot took a deflection from Keara Cormican before flying past Christina Hughes in the visitors goal.

After the goal the home side began to up their intensity and pushed for a second goal. Siobhan Killeen played in a well weighted pass to Sarah Rowe but Galway keeper Hughes was quick to smother the chance.

Raheny continued to create chances as McCabe delivered a well executed corner only for Noelle Murray to head off target.

Galway had a chance to equalise but Lynsey McKey could not find the net, dragging her shot wide of the goal. Raheny could have extended their lead when McCabe delivered a well delivered cross and Rebecca Creagh headed into the visitors net only to be adjudged offside.

The visitors continued to be dangerous on the counter attack, first De Burca fired wide before winning a dangerous free kick on the edge of the home sides box. Lisa Casserly then curled the resulting free kick around the panda’s wall and into the net to equalise for Galway.

Raheny emerged from the half time interval with more conviction in their play, as almost straight away Rowe fired over Galway’s crossbar before Keenan unleashed a rocket from 35 yards which glanced off the visitors bar.

The Panda’s continued to try force a second goal, with skipper Creagh failing to head home after getting free inside the box, while Niamh walsh was convinced she had scored but referee Natasha Valentini adjudged the ball had not crossed the goal line.

The third goal of the game came after Panda’s skipper Creagh played a long ball forward to Murray, who battled hard before playing in McCabe for her second goal.

However 90 seconds later Galway’s Fahy unleashed a thunderous shot from 35 yards, which sailed past Panda’s keeper Reid Bourke.

Both sides pushed for a winner as the game reached its penultimate stage and with five minutes left Raheny’s McCabe completed her hat trick after she slotted the ball past Hughes in the away side’s goal after good work from winger Rowe.

Galway again went in search of an equaliser for the third time and very nearly got it as substitute Roise Jacob fired an effort over the bar from five yards out deep into injury time.

After the final whistle Extratime.ie spoke to Raheny manager Casey McQuillan about his sides performance,

“It was a tough game. We started off very slow and seemed to have another gear or two, Galway are always tough to play against. There’s no point getting the ball into the box if we don’t have players to capitalize on it”

Casey McQuillan also spoke about the girls hunger to ensure they regain the title next season.

“I hope the girls are more determined, they have to prove it before the end of this season and not wait till next season”

Raheny United: Niamh Reid Bourke, Keeva Keenan, Pearl Slattery, Lauren Dywer (Niamh Walsh 45), Clare Conlon (Avril Brierley 80), Shauna Newman, Sarah Rowe, Rebecca Creagh (C), Siobhan Killeen, Katie McCabe, Noelle Murrary

Subs Not Used: Niamh Barnes, Laura Ryan, Megan Lynch, Joan Daly

Yellow Cards: Noelle Murray (43), Katie McCabe (44)

Red Cards: Noelle Murray (87)

Galway WFC: Christina Hughes, Shauna Fox, Keera Cormican, Caroline Carter, Megan Kelleher, Ellerose O’Flaherty, Ruth Fahy, Lisa Casserly, Aoife Walsh (Roise Jacob 72), Lynsey McKey

Subs Not Used: Sorcha Ni Bhraonain, Alanna Moran, Marie Curtin, Louise Creaven, Meabh Coleman

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

Referee: Natasha Valentini

Player of the Match: Katie McCabe Raheny United