Peamount narrowly lose CL opener

• Niall Farrell
• Fri, Aug 12 2011


Peamount United suffered heartbreak in their UEFA Women's Champions League opener against Rayo Vallecano on Thursday, only losing due to a last minute goal.

The Dublin side held their own for most of the match but were undone in the final minute of normal time through a goal from Rayo Vallecano captain Natalia.

Rayo, who are one of the top professional sides in Spain, are ranked as top seeds in Peamount's group- which also includes Parno of Estonia and Slovenian champions ZNK Krka.

But the hotly fancied Rayo- current champions of Spain- were made to work against Peamount on the opening day of competition.

Peamount qualified for the Champions League by winning last year's FAI Umbro Women's Cup - defeating Salthill Devon 2-1 in the final. The Peas are one of the twelve teams which will compete in the inaugural season of the new women's domestic league.

ZNK Krka will be Peamount's next opponents, with a 7.45 kick-off set for this Saturday. The Slovenians lost 2-1 to Parnu today. Should Peamount qualify from their group, they will earn a place amongst Europe's elite in the knockout stages- with the ultimate aim being to emulate last year's winners Lyon and win in the final in May.

Rayo Vallecano: Alicia; Fumi Goto [Alba Mellado '65], Pilar Villalba [Marianela Szymanowski '81], Natalia (c), Saray Garcia [Chini '52]; Esther Gamo, Jennifer Hermoso, Burgos, Anita, Costa; Keka.
Subs not used: Estefania Guisado, Ana Catala.
Yellow Cards: None

Peamount United: Linda Meehan; Nicola Sinnott, Grace Murray, Susan Byrne, Rachel Jenkins [Julie Russell '49]; Louise Quinn, Wendy McGlone [Denise O'Sullivan '57], Sara Lawlor, Karen Duggan; Stephanie Roche, Amanda Parkes.
Subs not used: Sarah Finnerty, Susan Hackett, Emma Donohoe, Ruth Comerford, Cathriona Dunne.
Yellow Cards: None.

Referee: Katalin Kulcsar (Hungary).