Illies Celtic showed just why they’re champions as a ruthless second half display by John Doherty’s team on Thursday saw them maintain their 100 per cent record.
Illies Celtic 6 Bonagee United 1
Illies might have conceded a first goal of the season, but the Inishowen side dispatched Bonagee with an emphatic performance in the second period.
The inaugural North West Women’s Super League winners certainly haven’t rested on their laurels and their superior fitness told.
Once Bonagee began to show signs of fatigue, Illies turned the screw and twisted the knife and they swept their way to another impressive victory ahead of an Ulster Cup final against Lagan Harps at Dry Arch Park this evening (5.30pm).
Bonagee took the lead when ‘keeper Denise McElhinney cracked home a free kick from 25 yards.
Bonagee rocked their opponents early on and Louise Devlin saved at close-range from Anna Doherty while Alice Diver warmed her palms from distance.
Illies drew level when Michelle McDaid exploited the space in the Bonagee rearguard to finish.
And Illies hit the front when the ever-dangerous Paula McGrory made the visitors pay with an expert finish.
The sides were well matched but once Caroline Gallagher broke the line to score the third it was one-way traffic.
The impressive Chantelle Grant put an always-rising shot over the top as Bonagee threatened, but McDaid’s second of the game, a crisp back-post finish added to their woe.
Slick Illies showed no mercy and McGrory punished Bonagee as she bagged her second of the game soon after.
The rout wasn’t yet completed, but Alison McGonagle shot high into the Bonagee net.
On a night when Illies were officially presented with their trophy, they showed their worth in some style.
Illies Celtic: Louise Devlin, Claire Doherty, Teresa Coyle, Alan Doherty, Caroline Gallagher, Michelle McDaid, Alison McGonagle, Kirsty Grant, Deirdre Grant, Paula O’Donnell, Mary McKinney. Subs used: Aisling Gillespie, Chloe Kildea.
Bonagee United: Denise McElhinney, Siobhan Sweeney, Dina Patton, Leona Russell, Saorla McGarrigle, Alice Diver, Julie McCloy, Anna Doherty, Chantelle Grant, Natalie McFadden, Aisling Grieve. Subs used: Brenda Sweeney, Shannon Doherty.
Referee: Eamon Doherty.
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