Breffni ladies remain unbeaten with big local derby win

Ladies NFL Division 2 round 5

Cavan 2-9

Monaghan 1-9

Aideen Coyle at Jim Smith Park, Killinkere

After a huge Ulster derby win over Donegal last weekend, Emmet Daly’s Cavan entered Sunday’s tie high on confidence and sitting top of the Division 2 table. They faced an in-form Monaghan team who came from 13 points down the week previous against Tipperary to salvage a draw. Managed by Cavan native Enda Flanagan, the Farney women were determined to end Cavan’s unbeaten run and keep their push for a top-two finish alive.

A decisive second-half goal from Niamh Keenaghan ultimately separated the teams at the full-time whistle as Cavan held on for a tense but vital victory. Not for the first time this campaign, goalkeeper Evelyn Baugh also played a crucial role, producing a superb save from Sarah Tierney just minutes after Cavan raised their second green flag.

For the second week running, the wind was a key factor in the tie. With the advantage of the breeze in the first half, Cavan built a three-point lead by the interval.

Despite playing with a player in the sin-bin for 10 minutes of the second half, the hosts managed to hold on to the lead despite excellent shooting from Cora Courtney, Chloe McBride and Leanne Maguire as Monaghan went in search of a victory.

Monaghan stalwart Cora Courtney came back into the starting line-up and showed her worth from early on, hitting the net in the 2nd minute to open the game’s scoring. Courtney cleverly palmed the ball past Evelyn Baugh after Sarah Tierney played through the attacker. Cavan made a direct reply with a point from an Ella Sheridan free after Catherine Dolan dispossessed Aine McQuade coming out of defence.

Despite having the aid of the breeze, Cavan struggled to get scores on the board but added a crucial score midway through the opening half as local girl Sheridan netted from a penalty won by Clara Lynch after superb build-up play between Lucy Crowe and Catherine Dolan.

Chloe McBride penalised a Cavan infringement with a pointed free to bring the sides level for the first time minutes later.

However, Cavan finished the half strongest with a hat-trick of scores. From the resulting kick-out, Cavan had a second goal chance but Niamh Keenaghan was denied by a brilliant save from Orna Kelly, with good last-ditch defending from Monaghan clearing the danger off the goal line but only as far as Aishling Sheridan, who fisted over the bar. An excellent double from the hard-working Keri McCormack gave Cavan a 1-4 to 1-1 lead at the break.

Both management teams introduced changes at the break and it was Cavan’s substitute Muireann Cusack who made the first impression, winning a free minutes after the resumption for Sheridan to point. Eight minutes into the half, Courtney sparked a Monaghan resurgence by registering the first of five unanswered points. A key factor in the revival was Monaghan’s effective press on the Cavan kick-out, which repeatedly put the home side under pressure.

Leading by three but facing into a stiff breeze, Cavan were forced to dig deep, particularly after Micaela Fitzpatrick was sent to the sin-bin. Monaghan, playing with the breeze, began to dominate the tie as substitute Leanne Maguire pointed, followed by a goal chance for Courtney midway through the half.

The Donaghmoyne attacker found herself through on goal but was unfortunate to see her shot ricochet off the upright.

Courtney quickly made amends with another point before Chloe McBride levelled the contest with an excellent effort from distance. Monaghan’s persistent pressure on Evelyn Baugh’s kick-outs continued to pay dividends and they edged in front when midfielder Niamh Flanagan claimed possession and released McBride to score, putting the visitors ahead momentarily.

Struggling to secure possession, Cavan produced a vital response by winning the next kick-out through Deirbhile Lynch and within seconds retook the lead as Keenaghan hit the net after a brilliant run and pass from Catherine Dolan. As the intensity increased, Monaghan created another clear goal opportunity but Sarah Tierney was denied by an outstanding save from Baugh.

From defence to attack, Cavan worked the ball expertly through the hands, with Christina Charters winning a free at the opposite end for Sheridan to slot over at her ease to put Cavan three ahead. Tierney and Sheridan traded a point apiece with less than 10 minutes remaining in the round five clash.

Cora Courtney finished a brilliant team move between Maguire and Treanor with her third to leave two between the teams, but this was as close as the visitors would get as Cavan replied with two on the bounce.

Youngster Ella Sheridan pointed from play, followed by her sixth of the game from a free won by Shauna Lynch, who made a welcome return from injury off the bench for Cavan. Niamh Flanagan kicked the closing score of the game but this was only consolation as Cavan came away with the three points to remain top of the pile.

Both teams have a two-week break before facing into the closing two crucial games. Cavan have promotion firmly in their sights with a crucial Ulster derby against Tyrone up next, followed by a final round game at home against Westmeath. Monaghan, meanwhile, face a battle to avoid relegation, with a meeting against winless Wexford next before concluding their campaign against promotion-chasing Mayo.

Cavan: Evelyn Baugh, Lucy Crowe, Sinead Kelly, Zara Fay, Emma McIntyre, Christina Charters, Deirbhile Lynch, Micaela Fitzpatrick, Keri McCormack (0-2), Niamh Keenaghan (1-0), Ella Sheridan (1-6, 1-5f), Catherine Dolan, Clara Lynch, Aishling Sheridan (0-1), Katie Mai Reilly

Subs used: Muireann Cusack for C Lynch, Ailbhe Kennedy for K Reilly, Shauna Lynch for D Lynch, Cara McCaffery for E Sheridan

Monaghan: Orna Kelly, Aine Loughman, Aine McQuaid, Maeve Monahan, Kerry Nolan, Rosemary Courtney, Alison Gilliland, Jennifer Duffy, Niamh Flanagan (0-1), Aoibhin McCormack, Amy Garland, Casey Treanor, Chloe McBride (0-3, 0-2f), Cora Courtney (1-3), Sarah Tierney (0-1)

Subs used: Leanne Maguire (0-1, 0-1f) for A Gilliland, Lauren Garland for K Nolan, Caoimhe Ward for A McCormack

Ref: Eddie Cuthbert (Down)

See this week's print edition for full coverage.