Super sub Nikki spares Dromore's blushes

Dromore Ladies 3

ON Tuesday August 3 Dromore Ladies travelled to Carrickfergus to play bottom of the table Carrick Ladies at the home of Barn United.

Dromore went into the game without first choice keeper Laura 'Moo' Magowan who broke three bones in her left foot and without manager Roger McCartan who was serving the first of his three game suspension.

Just to add to Dromore's woes influential defender Fi Martin had to don the keepers gloves and with work commitments Dromore went into the game with only one sub.

Carrick sat firmly rooted to the bottom of the table with no wins this season and only two points from two draws.

The game kicked off and after a few early touches the away team settled into their stride and on eigh minutes forced the first real chance of the game. Kerry Taggart picked up the ball on the left wing and drove past the Carrick defender, crossed the ball towards the penalty spot were Dani Creaney caught it on the half volley only to see the ball fly over the bar.

The game was very scrappy with neither team really keeping the ball for any period of time. Eleven minutes in the home team forced a corner and poor marking saw Carrick take the lead with Fi having no chance in the Dromore goal.

The rest of the half was definitely a forgettable one for the away team as they coudnt string two passes together. The only saving grace was Dee Lindsay who kept tight shackles on the Carrick centre forward and the Dromore defence who protected Fi at all times.

Assistant manager Davy Welshman had stern words with the team and reminded them of the fact that they were all playing for a place in the semi final line up and that this was by far the worst performance of the season.

Dromore took to the field in a determined fashion and began to try and break down the home defence. Everytime Dromore seemed to get on top the final ball just wouldn't fall for the strikers and Carrick managed to clear the danger without causing Fi any trouble at the other end.

Fifteen minutes into the second half Dromore made the change that would change the game. Nikki Clements came on for Dani who, for all her trying and willingness, just couldn't make the breakthrough.

With an hour on the clock Dromore won a free kick to the left of the box. Davy Welshman shouted for Tracy Orr to take it but a confident Nikki waved her away. Nikki stepped up and unleashed a screamer high into the roof of the home net with the keeper well beaten.

With their tails now up the siege of the home goal began. At last Dromore began playing the football they have been all season with Kerry, Lauren and Amy-Loiuse beginning to get a grip on the game.

With 77 mins on the clock Dromore took the lead. A high ball played up front was headed towards goal by Kerry, this was taken by Debbie Barry who outpaced the home defence and smashed home the ball into the net with the home keeper stranded. The goal sparked wild celebrations as the whole team mobbed Debbie after scoring yet another great goal.

Carrick though wernt to be outdone and the away goal seemed to inspire them to attack. They forced a few free kicks which Fi did well to hold and with just minutes remaining a combination of Fi and Laura Stewart foiled another high free kick.

Laura picked up the ball and strode away from the Dromore goal with the Carrick players unable to match her pace, she played a great ball to Nikki who turned and played the ball behind the Cariick defence and unto the path of Kerry. Kerry, as she had done 16 times in the league before now, raced away with the ball and scored making it 3-1 to Dromore.

The last few minutes of the game passed without incident and Dromore's push for third was still well in tact.

Best for Dromore was Nikki who seemed to add something that was definitely missing from the away performance, and special mention to Fi who dealt very confidently with anything which came her way in the Dromore goal.

This time last year Carrick beat Dromore and it shows the tremendous team spirit within the Dromore camp that even when they go behind the belief that they can still win the game is always evident.

Dromore's last home game of the season is at Holm Park tomorrow (Wednesday), kick off 7.30 when they entertain Larne ladies.

Dromore will finsh third in the league should they beat Larne and Donegal Celtic fail to beat Loughgall, a great achievement in itself plus with the semi final of the Irish Cup still to play on Monday August 16 (7.30pm kick off) at New Grosvenor stadium (Lisburn Distillery) it could turn out to be the best season for the club in the last few years.

Dromore. Fiona Martin, Dee Lindsay, Tracy Orr, Emma McClements, Laura Stewart, Lauren Gibson, Amy-Lou Graham, Collete Young, Kerry Taggart, Dani Creaney, Debbie Barry, sub Nikki Clements.