Mulholland magic rewards U15s

The Rainey U15 team started their last 16 cup match against a very strong Randalstown team.

The first half began with both teams trying to take control within the midfield. Excellent work by Roberta McMaster and Thea Corry put pressure on the Randalstown defence, which led to a chance by Lauren Mulholland; however the Randalstown goalkeeper made the save.

The Rainey team began to spread the play and again dominate possession. Superb passing from Rachel Burns and Katie Allen created the first penalty corner, which was narrowly missed by Emma Marshall.

With 8 minutes left in the first half, Rainey eventually found a way through the Randalstown defence. The move started from the back with excellent work from Helena Nugent. Helena moved the ball forward to Emma Marshall, who played a wonderful ball into the path of Lauren Mulholland. Lauren calmly fired the ball past the goalkeeper into the bottom right hand corner of the goal.

Randalstown started to look for the equaliser immediately, however Rainey’s defence held firm, with great work from Alice Hardy and Aimee Parke.

The second half started at a fast pace with Claire Holmes and Sarah McGuckin stopping the Randalstown attacks with strong defending. Erin Mulholland in the Rainey goal was organising the defence and made a vital save from one of the attacks.

Rainey regained the initiative in midfield and created numerous chances to increase the score. Excellent play by Rachel Burns and Charlotte McKinlay, took the pressure off the Rainey defence.

Rachel Burns, from her central midfield position, began to take control of the midfield, by intercepting Randalstown passing and dominating the attacking moves from the Rainey team.

In the last 5 minutes of the match Rainey had a number of penalty corners to increase the lead, however Randalstown defended well. At the final whistle the Rainey team celebrated an excellent victory.

The team now moves onto the quarter-finals. The team wish to thank the vocal supporters who watched this entertaining game.

Coach – Roger Talbot