Donegal Women’s League continued their good form with a 3-0 victory over Mayo at Illistrin in a U13 Gaynor Cup group qualifier.
Donegal Women’s League 3 Mayo 0
The first half was well balanced with both teams creating chances but neither team could get pass the in-form goalkeepers of Leah McLoughlin, the Donegal net minder, and Mayo’s Charlie Benson.
Clodagh Heron and Eva Blaney created the first clear chance with a good cross by Eva to Clodagh only for the woodwork to deny Donegal going ahead.
Sorcha Byrne and Kayla Doherty started to get to grips with midfield for Mayo who combined with Erin Nash. However Donegal’s centre-backs of Siobhan Cameron and Darcy Kelly were in fine form.
Mayo’s Emma Duffy was dangerous down the right however Donegal’s left back Grace Nugent was up for the challenge.
Donegal changed things in the second half, which allowed Megan McLoughlin and Eva Blaney to become dominant in midfield free up Ella McHugh for her advancing runs.
On 47 minutes Rachael Friel opened the scoring for Donegal with a fine strike with her left foot just inside the box after good work by Grace Murphy.
Orlaith Doherty extended the lead on five minutes later, rounding the keeper and calmly slotting the ball into the net after a long ball by Méabh McAteer.
Róisín Lynch got into good positions and again the Mayo keeper kept her from scoring.
The final score came from boot work by Sarah Conaghan on the left to Ella McHugh who dribbled into the box and, from a tight angle, scored under the advancing keeper.
Claire Diver in the Donegal net was call upon to pull off a great save from Katie Heaney, with Niamh Ryan clearing the loose ball from danger.
Donegal: Leah McLoughlin, Megan McLoughlin, Eva Blaney, Rachel Friel, Meabh McAteer, Clodagh Heron (all Mulroy Academy); Siobhan Cameron (Kilmacrennan Celtic); Darcy Kelly, Sarah McGinley, Grace Nugent, Leanne McGettigan (all Illistrin FC); Ella McHugh (Raphoe Town); Claire Diver, Roisin Lynch, Sarah Conaghan (all Finn Valley Ladies); Sile Ferry(Gweedore Celtic); Orlaith Doherty, Mia Devenney (both Lagan Harps); Grace Murphy (Bonagee Utd); Niamh Ryan (Cappry Rovers), Eva McGlynn (Fintown Harps).
Mayo: Charlie Benson, Amy Cummins, Sarah Gough, Aoife Gannon, Aoibhinn Bilbow, Suzanne Tuohy, Saoirse Byrne, Kayla Doherty, Emma Duffy, Erin Nash, Katie Heaney, Beth Roache, Grace McHale, Sarah Ruddy, Joanne Gallagher, Emily Vahey, Sarah King, Maura Hughes
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