Foyle girls back with win

Although they continued training during the holiday period their last competitive game had been on the 20th October.

The three senior teams hosted Limavady Grammar at St Columb’s Park while the four junior sides travelled to play the same opposition in the Derry and Antrim league.

At St Columb’s Park the 1st XI game was first to be played with captain Alison Maybin keen to lead her team to victory in this local derby.

Foyle started brightly but much of the early play remained in mid-field. Whilst the home side had the greater share of possession the Limavady side created a few dangerous attacks allowing them a couple of shots on goal.

Foyle’s best attack of the first half saw Alison Maybin and Kelly McClintock combining on the right with Maybin delivering the final pass to centre forward Lauren Huey who coolly placed the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper.

Following half-time Foyle made several tactical changes to the side in an effort to increase their lead. Tara Scott made several incisive runs and combined well with sister Katie to create some problems for the Limavady defence. On one such occasion Katie got the final touch into goal to give Foyle a more comfortable lead.

Limavady continued to press for a goal that would get them back into the game but the home defence with sweeper Alexandra Graham in excellent form were able to deal with any attacks.

With maximum points from this league game the 1st XI now turn their attention to their second round Ulster Senior Cup match away to Victoria College next Tuesday, this match is scheduled for a 2.30pm start at Queens Playing Fields.

While Foyle 2nd XI took to the pitch on Saturday determined to match the 1st XI in gaining maximum league points.

They immediately settled into their game plan playing total hockey involving the entire outfield. This provided plenty of space for the Foyle girls to attack the Limavady circle. Some excellent goal-keeping from the Limavady goal-keeper denied Tara Scott twice in the opening 15minutes. Foyle finally found the breakthrough when good work down the right side of the pitch involving Lucy Young and Tara Mackey saw a cross into the circle picked up by Lara Dingley who skilfully deflected the ball inside the left post.

Tara Mackey playing at centre midfield provided her forwards with excellent service throughout the game and it was no surprise when right wing Sarah Willis put Foyle two goals ahead from close range.

In the second half Limavady created more chances with Foyle having to defend a number of penalty corners. Kelsey Hargan was quick off the line to deny the Limavady girls time to get a clear shot. Roise McSorley playing at centre back had an excellent game setting up numerous counter attacks with her quick distribution.

Willis added a second goal to give her side a comfortable 3-0 victory. This performance was ideal preparation for the team’s McDowell Cup match against Dalriada which they are playing this afternoon.

The 1st and 2nd XI would like to thank Paul Charlesworth for umpiring on Saturday.

The 3rd XI played their second game in three days. On Thursday past they played Coleraine High School in the Gibson cup and although they dominated the match they were unable to score. On Saturday they had an evenly contested game against their Limavady counterparts which ended in another scoreless draw.

In Limavady the U14A and B games both finished in score draws while the Foyle U13 A and B teams both won.

Next Saturday the U12 team who have been training since the start of September will have their first 11-a–side game of the season when they entertain Strabane Academy.

The U15 team will also play a friendly while the U14 team will play the same opposition in a North-West league match.

The U14 team will be looking to get back to winning ways as they have a tough away draw in the Junior Cup at Regent House next Wednesday.