Ladies go down fighting

YMCA Ladies...0Crusaders/Newtownabbey Strikers...3

YMCA Ladies produced a battling display against the NIWFA Frudles Premier League reigning champions and current league leaders Crusaders/Newtownabbey Strikers, at Drumahoe, last Wednesday night.

YM without first team regulars Ursina Carpeder, Avilla Bergin and keeper Kirsty Eddis started really brightly and their midfield of McKeever, McMullan, McCann, Sarah Bergin and Lapsley completely outplayed their illustrous opponents laced with Northern Ireland senior internationals.

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However on 30 minutes Strikers took the lead when a header following a free kick appeared to be going over the bar but dropped into the net past the stranded keeper Mailey.

YM however continued to play their passing game and two minutes before the break found themselves 2-0 down after Mailey dived bravely at the feet of a Crues forward and deflected the ball out to another Crues forward who smashed the ball home.

Mailey had to leave the field injured and young Hannah Kilgore went into goal for the second half.

The injury meant that YM had to re-organise their side and put a magnificent performance in the second half with the defence of Price, Archibold, McCarter and Meehan excelling and Kilgore produced two wonderful saves to keep the score at 2-0.

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Five minutes from time Crusaders added a third to seal the match.

This was a tremendous performance from the young under-strength YM side considering that Crusaders will play next month in the EUFA Womens Champions League, the Belfast side will host one of the Qualifying Groups and augurs well for their final four league matches as they try to preserve their Premier League status after promotion last season.