Impressive win for Foyle

Cookstown High...1

AFTER a good win against Antrim Grammar, the Foyle team headed onto the pitch at St. Columb’s Park for a friendly against Cookstown, in confident mood and in preparation for their up coming Plate match on Tuesday, February 21.

The intensity of the match was high from the first whistle with midfielders, Bronagh McKinley (Capt), Heather Manning and Alison Maybin holding possession and passing some lovely balls through to the forwards.

The first goal came early in the first half, Holly Rankin made one of her trademark runs down the right wing giving a great pass to the waiting Jenny Wallace on the far post.

With the intensity still high and end to end play, the Foyle backs and the midfield remained calm under pressure.

With a tactical change at the back seeing Hannah Walker coming into the central defence role and the attacking Alex Graham moved to right back this secured the defence.

Amy Chambers worked hard as sweeper, using her vision to find the gaps in the Cookstown press. It wasn’t long before Foyle secured their second goal with Alisha McCandless wrong footing the visiting goal keeper.

At the other end and in the second half, Foyle keeper Megan McClintock controlled her defence of Katie Christie and Hilary Leeson, with both defenders making strong and crucial tackles.

Second Half substitute, Tara Mackey made a fantastic run back at a penalty corner for the visitors stealing the ball just before a strike on goal was certain.

Forwards, Demi Harper and Alisha McCandless worked hard and created chances with Jenny Wallace sealing the victory by connecting with a cross from Holly Rankin.

Unfortunately, Foyle failed to keep a clean sheet with a goal coming near the end from Cookstown who slotted it past Megan McClintock’s left foot.

The match was a great test of both fitness and skill for the forthcoming Plate encounter with Victoria College, Belfast. The girls can feel more confident with yet another good win under their belts.

Foyle Firsts: Megan McClintock, Amy Chambers, Alex Graham, Hannah Walker, Hilary Leeson, Katie Christie, Alison Maybin, Bronagh McKinley (Capt), Heather Manning, Holly Rankin, Demi Harper, Jenny Wallace, Alisha McCandless, Tara Mackey, Becky Magee.