Chantelle Grant fired Bonagee United into the quarter-finals of the WFAI Intermediate Cup.
Bonagee United 1-0 Illies Celtic
Grant’s goal in the first half gave the Dry Arch girls the win. In another tight affair between the Super League’s big guns, it was Bonagee who had the edge.
The breakthrough came when Natalie McFadden won a ball on the end line and Amy Boyd’s cross was turned home by Grant.
Illies fashioned a good chance to level, but Paula McGrory’s shot was well held by home keeper Clare Friel
Illies went close when Alison McGonagle headed just off target from a set piece. McGrory tested Friel in the early moments of the second half, but the Bonagee netminder pulled off a super save with her left hand.
Niamh McDaid, who played the first half in nets, hit the post for Illies as they went in search of a leveller.
These teams have played out some cracking meetings of late with Bonagee prevailing 3-2 in a league meeting and Illies edging an Ulster Cup affair 2-1 after extra-time.
It was no surprise that another tense contest was played out before a big crowd at Dry Arch Park.
McFadden foraged hard with limited supply for the home side, who were determined not to let go of their lead.
Friel smothered well when tested again Bonagee, superbly marshalled by the experience of Maureen O’Donnell and Denise McElhinney, held onto their lot to advance.
The last eight awaits.
Bonagee United: Clare Friel, Maria Carr, Maureen O’Donnell, Denise McElhinney, Claire Orr, Amy Boyd, Chantelle Grant, Suzanne Gordon, Siobhan Sweeney, Natalie McFadden, Deborah Keerigan. Sub used: Niamh McCarthy
Illies Celtic: Niamh McDaid, Tessie Coyle, Noreen Doherty, Beth Doherty, Aisling McDaid, Brianna Doherty, Alison McGonagle, Danielle Doherty, Karen Kelly, Leanne Kelly, Paula McGrory. Sub used: Aisling Donaghey.
Referee: Liam McLaughlin
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