- Dave Hooper
- Sun, Nov 20 2011
A single goal from Rachel Graham on 22 minutes was enough to see Raheny United defeat Cork Women's FC and give them a debut home victory at a sunny Morton Stadium. Graham’s 22nd minute strike was a deserved lead for the Northsiders in what turned out to be a drab affair devoid of incident and mainly battled in midfield.
Raheny’s tricky left winger Siobhan Killeen was a torn in the Cork side throughout the first half as Raheny dominated the game. The Cork midfield was marshalled by Susan Donovan and Claire Shine which Raheny struggled to break down. The only clear cut chance of the first came on 22 minutes.
Raheny forward Katie McCabe tussled for the ball with Cork defender Emma Farmer on the edge of the box. McCabe held the ball up and slid it to Rachel Graham who, five meters from the edge of the box, drove the ball past Mullins in the Cork goal to give Raheny the lead.
A tight 23 minutes was played out with Siobhan Killen and Megan Campbell the stars of the Raheny midfield. The only further incident of the half came with an eye injury to Cork’s Valerie Mulcahy who was withdrawn with one minute of time remaining.
The second half was a dull affair with the Raheny support providing strong vocal backing with a number of chants which where borrowed from near neighbours Shelbourne.
Raheny only foray into the Cork box came on 60 minutes and saw McCabe link up with the lively Killeen only to be denied by some last ditch defending by Lauren Murphy and clear the ball away from the vistor's net.
Cork nullified the threat of Killen with the introduction of Katie McCarthy and in particular Laura Lynch. Cork only created one real chance with a scrappy cross McKey causing confusion in the Raheny box where net minder Niamh Reid Burke gathered low.
In the end Raheny held on for a 1-0 victory which was deserved however Cork will be disappointed with their midfield possession being unable to develop into any meaningful attacks
Raheny United: Niamh Burke Reid, Elaine Murray, Megan Campbell, Shauna Newman, Seana Cooke, Rebecca Creagh, Rachel Graham, Katie McCabe, Siobhan Killeen,Anna McCormack, Ciara Grant
Subs: Sandra Mulhall for Rebecca Creagh (H/t). Kate Flood for Ciara Grant (75”)
Not Used: Joan Daly, Catherine Cronin, Lynn Bradley, Carla Morgan, Christina Byrne
Cork Womens FC Rachel Mullins, Orla Barry, Lauren Murphy, Marie Curtin, Emma Farmer, Susan Donovan, Jenny Critchley , Claire Shane, Lyndsey McKey, Denise O’Sullivan, Valerie Mulcahy
Subs: Claudia Hunder for Valerie Mulcahy (44”), Katie McCarthy for Lyndsey McKey (65”). Laura Lynch for Jenny Critchley (75”).
Not Used: Amy McCarthy, Niamh Cooke, Linda McNamara, Mary Barrett
