- Niall Farrell
- Sun, Nov 27 2011
Braces from Ciara Grant and Siobhan Killeen sent Raheny United to the top of the Women's National League today in Morton Stadium, surprising favourites Peamount United 4-1.
It came as a bit of a surprise when Ciara Grant put them ahead on 27 minutes. Raheny surged up the pitch came in and the ball came in quickly, aimed at the head of Katie McCabe. Peas 'keeper Linda Meehan came out in an attempt to claim it, but could only palm it away as far as Grant. From about ten yards out, Grant shot into the open goal to give Raheny the lead.
Raheny 'keeper Niamh Reid-Burke, one of several Irish internationals on display, had to make a fine save beforehand on 11 minutes to deny Aine O'Gorman right in front of goal and the home side were penned back in their own half for much of the half.
Their lead was short-lived though, as Peamount equalised just four minutes later. Aine O'Gorman passed down the wing for Julie-Ann Russell, who crossed across the goal. The ball evaded all the defender and fell for Lawlor to tap in. From then on, the match became a far more open contest, with Peamount initially looking the more likely to take the lead.
But it was Raheny again who upset their visitors, Siobhan Killeen getting the first goal of her brace. Sandra Mulhall dummied her way around two markers before crossing brilliantly for Killeen to control and strike well past Meehan. You would have been forgiven for thinking that Raheny would be content with a one goal lead, but they pushed on after half-time to make a commanding lead for themselves.
A minute after half time, a botched clearance flew across the Peamount goal. With Linda Meehan off her line, Killeen chipped her from just outside the box. Niamh Reid-Burke had to replicate her excellent first-half form to deny Peamount a goal after 55 minutes, diving at the feed of Sara Lawlor just about three yards from her line.
Not long afterwards, Siobhan Killeen chipped Meehan again to make it 4-1 to Raheny after a defence-splitting through ball put her through on goal. Substitute Rebecca Creagh forced a good save out of Meehan after 70 minutes, but Peamount had the best chances in the final 20 minutes- Aine O'Gorman and Julie-Ann Russell both going close.
Raheny never really let go though and inflicted a first defeat on Peamount, while simultaneously making it three wins from three.
Raheny United: Niamh Reid Burke; Elaine Murray, Megan Campbell, Shauna Newman. Seana Cooke; Rachel Graham [Rebecca Creagh '66], Katie McCabe, Sandra Mulhall, Ciara Grant, Anna McCormack [Catherine Cronin '61], Ciara Grant.
Subs Not Used: Joan Daly, Lynn Bradley, Kate Flood, Carla Moran, Becky Walsh.
Peamount United: Linda Meehan; Stacey McGlone, Grace Murray, Karen Duggan, Susan Byrne; Dora Gorman, Julie-Ann Russell, Louise Quinn, Ruth Comerford; Aine O'Gorman, Sara Lawlor [Emma Donohoe '75].
Subs Not Used: Aine Genockey, Sharon Cullen, Laura Callaghan, Clare Kinsella, Trina Dunne.
Referee: Rhona Daly.
Attendance: 100 (unofficial estimate).
Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Ciara Grant.
