ENNISKILLEN ............................ 0
LARNE.........................................1
RAIN stayed off at the Bawnacre, Irvinestown for Enniskillen to host Larne 1st X1. Previous games saw these teams on an even keel, so Enniskillen had everything to play for.
The home ladies had pass back and dominated the opening minutes. The game's pace was fast and Enniskillen looked good when they kept things moving and passed early. Pressure on Larne's defence showed and Enniskillen were awarded the first penalty corner of the match. The team failed to put it where it counted and it was Larne's turn to go on the attack. This was usually down the right wing where Lynsey Funston and Irene Edgar battled endlessly to thwart a very fast right wing. Larne was awarded a long corner for their efforts and thought that they had taken the lead from a pass to the top of the 'D' when the ball crossed the line. However, both umpires ruled that it was not a goal, having been hit outside the circle and Enniskillen goal keeper, Claire Wilson, sighed with relief keeping a clean sheet for the rest of the first half.
A half-time talk with input from guest player, Sharon McKee, told the forwards to believe in themselves and know that if the team came away with no points it would be disappointing as they had the ability to get something, even a draw from this game.
A few changes in the team during half time saw McKee come on as sweeper, helping captain, Gillian Stevenson stop Larne in their tracks. Suffering a very sore finger, the captain fought on. Her team was unlucky when Larne broke and scored a fluke goal with less than ten minutes reamining. Enniskillen kept heads up but could not create much at the other end. With no substitutes, the forwards were tiring and unable to generate any real momentum. Sharon Hutchinson was unlucky not to score from a pass into the circle, the keeper clearing it wide. With Larne one up and not giving anything away, Enniskillen ran out of time. Thanks go to Dee McColville for umpiring and Sharon McKee for coming to play at short notice.
Enniskillen will need a strong team next week when they travel to Raphoe.
The team are having a cake sale at the Diamond, Enniskillen on Saturday, November 28 from 10 am. Please come and support this much needed fundraiser for the team.
