Ladies 2nds complete amazing double with IJC win

Pembroke Wanderers 3 Bandon 1

Ladies 2nds ICJ Final Match Report 25th April 2015-04-29

Only one week after their semi-final win against Belfast Queens, the Ladies IIs faced off against Cork side, Bandon. Bandon earned their final place by defeating Railway IIs the week before. Albeit in less than ideal weather conditions, a big crowd of supporters for both sides gathered in UCD for the ICJ final.

After the traditional walk out, the first ten minutes were a tentative affair with both sides looking slightly nervous. In the 11th minute, Bandon broke the deadlock by scoring the first goal of the afternoon. The goal was a result of a direct strike on a short corner, which was deflected off a Pembroke stick. Pembroke countered and scored immediately. With a superb out field play from Alice Ward and Anna O’Neill, who’s perfectly placed pass allowed Maebh Faherty to equalise.

The first half saw Pembroke take the lead. This time it was Elaine Thompson who, by working the back line, setup rookie Sophie Craig for her first ICJ goal. Bandon finished the half strong with a couple of short corner attempts resulting from long passes direct to their forward line. At half time, the score stood at 2-1 in favour of Pembroke.

The second half started with both teams having good passages of play. Bandon received a lot of joy from their high press, which neutralised Pembroke’s attacking platform. But a two-goal lead was put between the teams when Pembroke scored from a left-slip short corner in the 51st minute. A great ball delivered by Julie Garvey to the right post for Shona Doyle to deflect in.

The last 20 minutes saw Pembroke predominately defending their lead. While Bandon applied significant pressure and despite a 70th minute short corner, the score remained at 3-1 to Pembroke.

The victory meant another ICJ title for the Ladies IIs but also a league and cup double for Paddy Good and Alan Giles’s team. Well done everyone!

Let me take this opportunity to thank all the supporters who attended on Saturday. Your support was greatly appreciated so thank you very much!