NI Women League Cup Report: Derry City 2 - 0 Sion Swift Ladies

Derry City Ladies collected their first victory of the season against an equally impressive Sion Swifts Ladies in the League Cup at the Brandywell on Wednesday night.

Derry started the brighter when Aine McKeever rattled the Sion bar after 7 minutes and three minutes later, Derry were ahead. Confusion in the Sion defence from a Derry corner allowed Gemma McGuiness the opportunity to prod the ball into the Sion net. This spurred Sion into action with Kendra McMullan at the centre of the Sion search for an equaliser. On 34 minutes, Derry Keeper Molly McBride pushed a goal bound effort onto the bar, much to the relief of the passionate home support.

Sion looked menacing as the second half commenced but were silenced by a stunning volley on 56 mins from Caoimhe Walsh. This gave Derry the confidence to absorb the Sion pressure as the second half unfolded. Zoe Mc Glynn and Amy Boyle Carr provided energy and drive for the visitors, matched by a vocal travelling support whilst Rosie Cunningham remained a threat for Derry on the left.

Derry were determined in their defence however, with Caoimhe Logue marshalling the rear-guard with a winning mentality. Sion’s last effort of real note came five minutes from the end as Claragh Conor went close from distance. The match ended on as competitive a note as it had started with Sion keeper Niamh Mailey involved in a collision with Derry’s Nicole Gordon. Following lengthy treatment, she had to leave the field of play and would take no further part in proceedings.

The final whistle was greeted with scenes of jubilation by the home team but on tonight’s performance, Sion Swifts Ladies will not be on the losing end of results too often as the season progresses.