Narrow defeat for minor ladies

Ladies Football Ulster MFC Round 2

Cavan 0-9

Monaghan 0-10

Aideen Coyle at Kingspan Breffni 3G

After a fantastic opening round win away to Antrim last Wednesday Cavan made a quick turnaround as they welcomed Monaghan to Cavan on Saturday. Playing with the wind advantage in the opening half Cavan took a four-point lead at half-time.

Cavan were in control and leading the tie till the 23rd minute of the second half when an Eabha Sherry free brought the sides level for the first time in the game. Sherry was fantastic on the placed balls and a further free into injury time snatched victory from the Breffni girls.

The hosts started the game at a blistering pace and registered four unanswered scores before Monaghan midfielder Kerrie Anne Walshe opened Monaghan’s scoring in the 10th minute. Shannah Galligan opened the scoring in the first minute.

At the other end a superb block from Sinead Kelly denied Eabha Sherry her opening score of the game. With 7 minutes on the clock Ellie Brady soar through the Monaghan defence but her shot at goal rocketed off the crossbar. The rebound fell favourably to Emma McIntyre but her shot was palmed over the bar by goalkeeper Orna Kelly to double Cavan’s lead.

Another point a piece from Galligan and McIntyre put Cavan ahead by four with nine minutes played in the half. Walshe scored Monaghan’s first and another excellent block from Katie Tierney on Leah Connolly kept out another certain score.

An Emma Tolan score after a Caoimhe Halpin interception in her backline put four between the teams once again. Sherry converted her first of four frees but this was instantly cancelled out by the excellent Galligan who pointed her third after a driving run and brilliant pass from Sophie Daly. Laura McGeown closed the half with a point to leave the halftime score 0-07 to 0-03 in favour of the home side.

Playing against the breeze in the second half Cavan struggled to build the same momentum going forward as they did in the opening half and only managed two points in the second half. Monaghan started the half brightest with two quick points from Sherry and McGeown. Sinead Levingstone who was operating in the sweeper role for Cavan made a driving run up the field resulting in a foul with Sarah Clarke converting the free to push the deficit to three.

Cavan’s backline were under increased pressure and two points from Sherry and McGeown frees left the minimum between the sides with 10 minutes gone in the half. The game could have been equalised but for an excellent block by hardworking wingback Sydney Gregg on Niamh Flanagan.

Lacken’s Emma Keogan came into the game in place of Sarah Clarke with Monaghan continuing to dominate large periods of possession. Sinead Kelly returned from injury with an exceptional performance at fullback and her double blocks on Sarah Tierney and Aimee Donnelly kept Cavan narrowly ahead.

However, Monaghan did manage to find the equaliser in the 23rd minute as Sherry pointed an excellent long range score. Levingstone won the resulting kickout playing a pass to Ellie Brady. As she had done several times in the game the midfielder drove at the Monaghan backline earning her side a free. Levingstone stepped up and converted the kick to put Cavan ahead by one once again, however this was their final score of the game.

Cavan will look back and rue missed chances in the closing stages of the game with the visitors finishing the game the more clinical side registering two more points from Sherry frees to snatch a one-point victory from Cavan.

Monaghan sit top of the table with three wins from three while Cavan sit third a spot behind Tyrone who have registered two wins from their opening two games. Next up for Cavan is a game away to fourth place Armagh on April 22 before taking on Tyrone in the final group game a week later.

Cavan: Carragh Reilly Brady, Katie Tierney, Sinead Kelly, Roisin Gunn, Sydney Gregg, Sophie Daly, Katie Noble, Caoimhe Halpin, Ellie Brady, Eabha Hayes (C), Sarah Clarke (0-01 1f), Shannah Galligan (0-03), Emma McIntyre (0-02), Emma Tolan (0-02), Sinead Levingstone (0-01 1f)

Subs: Emma Keogan for S. Clarke

Monaghan: Orna Kelly, Megan Byrne, Tara Renaghan, Aimee Clarke, Dervla Cawley, Mya Cogan, Sarah Carragher, Kerrie Anne Walsh (0-01), Leah Connolly, Laura McGeown (0-03 1f), Niamh Flanagan, Laura Grimes, Sarah Tierney, Eabha Sherry (0-06 4f), Ella McMeel

Subs used: Aimee Donnelly for L. Connolly

Referee: Gary Gormley (Tyrone)