U17 Girls Just Lose Out in Kells
After going down to a penalty in the first minute, the girls really dug in and battled their way back in a fiercly contested first half. Their intent was signalled early on with a blistering Messi style run through three defenders by Stephanie Troy finished off with a shot saved by the keeper. Kells then created three more gilt edge chances which were stoutly defended by the Rush defense, marshalled by the excellent Erica Byrne at centre half. Midway through the first half Sarah volleyed a beautiful pass into Riona Cullen who fired home the equalizer. Kells responded almost immediately with first Helen Doyle saving at close range, then the upright coming to the girls rescue. Just before half time Rush almost went ahead with a majestic turn and volley by Riona which just whistled past the post.
After the interval that the girls didn't disappoint, they were on top for most of the game.
Wonderful footwork from debutant Emma Gallagher set up Riona again for a pop from the edge of the box, which the keeper just managed to save. The Rush midfield of Amy, Emma, Stephanie Nugent an Edel were now starting to dominate. With 20 mins left Stephanie Troy fired a shot just over the bar from the slider pass from Riona. Stephanie again shot wide following one of Edel Doherty's signature marauding runs. Stephanie then returned the compliment by feeding Edel who also had to watch her shot fizzle agonizingly wide. With 7 mins left Kells took the lead with a superb long range effort, finally puncturing the Rush rearguard who had defended brilliantly all afternoon. It finished 2:1 but the girls can be very proud of their performance but will certainly rue all the missed chances.