Match Report: Derry Ladies 0 - 4 Crusaders Strikers

Having taking up the reigns a few weeks back, Kevin McLaughlin was making his Derry Ladies managerial debut appearance at the Brandywell. Buoyed by last week’s commanding victory over Portadown, he had lots to be positive about going into this fixture against Crusaders Strikers but it was a difficulty outing for the Derry girls who lost 4-0.

The Brandywell had an early autumnal feel about it as a new dawn fell upon Derry City Ladies under the McLaughlin managerial reign.

Crusader however, took charge of the game from the first whistle. Having gone close on 6 minutes when Heather Mearns sent a ferocious shot just wide of Molly McBride’s left hand post, they took the lead a minute later.

Star of the evening Lisa Armour got the opening goal for Crusaders.

Derry gradually started to make their way into the game but Armour always remained a potent threat, going close again on 21minutes. Her attempted shot, following a tantalising cross into the box, went sailing over the bar.

Leah McDaid’s tame effort just moment later failed to threaten the Crusader goal and Armour should have got here second just after the half hour mark.

A fizzing ball across the penalty box was met by Armour, who side footed with composure, only to see it rebound and cleared by the Derry defence.

Wihtin five minutes Derry rattled the Crusaders bar, when a dipping Caoimhe Walsh free kick had Clifford in the Crusader goal struggling to cover.

They followed that up with a Derry attack with pace down the right. Bronagh McGuinness supplied a pin point cross to the static Rosie Cunningham on the left edge of the six yard box.

The solid strike was safely gathered by Clifford and danger was averted. A goal was looking imminent ubt it was Crusaders who scored it.



Once again Armour applied the finishing touch with six minutes remaining in the first half.

Crusaders had further chances to score before the break, with Emily Wilson going close on two occasions. If her first effort was wasteful, her second effort was brilliantly palmed away by Molly McBride for a corner.

When the second half got underway Bronagh McGuinness looking lively for the Candystripes. The game as a contest was ended on 51mins though as Armour completed her hat-trick, rounding McBride with ease.

Not content with her tally, she added a fourth on 60 minutes. 

For the remainder of the match, Derry showed great passion in attempting to create chances. Crusaders by now had taken the foot of the pedal. Substitutes Murphy and Chalmers both had good chances to make it five in the final quarter but to no avail. 

It was an all too familiar score line for the Candystripe Ladies but Kevin McLaughlin can take comfort from the fact that his charges are showing belief and purpose in their performances.



Coral Lapsley had a good game in the middle of the park but ultimately, it was never going to be enough against a superior Crusaders Strikers.

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