Northern Ireland Women's Football Association

Match Report

Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers 3 Newbridge Predators 2

Newbridge Predators almost caused a shock upset in the Davisons Frudles Premier league last Friday on week nine. This match was originally scheduled for Monday June 14th but following the referee’s dis-satisfaction with the match ground at the Valley Leisure Centre, it was rescheduled to Mallusk on June 18th.

Strikers faced the Preds without the services of current internationals Nelson and McDowell who were preparing for their World Cup qualifier versus Iceland while former international goalkeeper Angela Platt was also unavailable.

Their reorganised first 11 included replacement keeper Katie Liston, reserve player Nicola McWilliams who had played a central
role in their draw against Ballymena Utd on the previous night while a resurgent Nicole Vance made her return to the left wing for the first time this season.

Preds started the brighter of the two teams and they hit the woodwork in the first five minutes with a wonderful shot from outside the box.

However, the left wing combination of Armour and Vance started to work their magic and this contributed directly to first blood for the Strikers when Vance’s curling shot beat the Preds’ keeper. Strikers continued to put pressure on the Preds defence in the first half but failed to convert these.

Their reorganised defence, with captain Nadine Murphy at the heart, was also tested on a number of occasions with some sharp attacks from the Preds and it was the Preds who responded well later in the half by capitalising on a flat back four formation.

A well timed ball over the top of the Strikers defence was seized by Ashleigh McKee who beat the Strikers’ replacement keeper one on one to leave the score 1-1 at half time.

This pattern of play in the first half – predominantly left wing attacks from Strikers with Preds resorting to long ball counter attacks – was repeated in the second half and Preds were again rewarded
in the same way, a long ball played over the top of the Strikers defence playing high up the pitch.

Mary Sheppard’s strike made it 2-1 early in the second half and their combative defenders looked to hold out the game and secure a shock upset.

However, this would be to underestimate the character shown by Strikers who have now come from behind and gone on to win in three league games.

In this case, their strength of character and resolve was tested to the limit given the reshuffled first 11 and the resurgent opposition provided by Preds.

Nicole Vance came to the rescue yet again to bring the teams level with 10 minutes to go and, rather than settle for a draw, Strikers’ assistant coach, Lynn Baird, made the brave decision to chase a result by changing the formation to a back three to enable greater attacking potential higher up the field of play.

This, of course, left their defense more open to counterattacks but it was the collective will of Strikers’ that prevailed. A five minute period of domination by them, in which wingers Lynsey Patterson, Nicole Vance and midfielder Helen McKenna’s incisive cross field balls stretched the Preds defence, eventually led to a free kick conceded
outside the box.

Terri Harper’s shot was expertly placed in the bottom corner of the net beyond the fingertips of the Preds keeper to put the Strikers ahead with 4 minutes to go. Strikers made no mistakes
to close out the game and secure an invaluable three points with a reshuffled squad.

Credit must go to Newbridge Predators for their ability to use two counterattacking balls to full effect and for their
willingness to reschedule the original fixture while Strikers can take some satisfaction from the strength of character shown by them and the depth to their playing squad. Their next league game is away
to YMCA at Drumahoe on Wed, June 30th.

Given their recent announcement as hosts of the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying round in August, it promises to be a busy end of season for them, on and off the field of play. The hosting of a UEFA
tournament in Northern Ireland for the first time in either the men’s or women’s game is also a unique opportunity for the promotion and development of women’s football in the region.

So
come out in your numbers in August to support the home team and see the best that European women’s football has to offer. Vuvuzelas are optional!

Report -: Dr Katie Liston

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