Northern Ireland Women's Football Association

Match Report

Crusaders retained their Davisons Frudles league title tonight at Seaview in front of a noisy home crowd. As befits a top of the league encounter and one that Glentoran had to win to keep their league chances alive, the game was
a physical encounter that drew 4 yellow cards, a last minute sending off for two cautionable offences and a penalty.
The first half was dominated by Crusaders who went ahead after 3 minutes when left winger Lisa Armour flicked the ball past the Glens keeper from a cross from Danielle McDowell. This early strike allowed Strikers to settle into their stride and they dominated the first half, BU’s first goalbound strike being on 14 minutes. Glentoran’s international keeper kept the score down on 27 minutes when she brought off an excellent double save from Clare Carson and Danielle McDowell’s follow-up. Helen McKenna’s deflected shot four minutes later was also well saved. Strikers continued to push for a second before halftime and they were unlucky not to convert a 41st minute through ball to Clare Carson who ran out of space having rounded the keeper well. However, they were duly rewarded 1 minute later when Julie Nelson converted a dropped corner ball to make it 2-0 at half time. Sara Booth also received a questionable yellow card on 21 minutes which was to come back to haunt her later in the game.

With Strikers’ midfielders Nadine Murphy and Danielle McDowell dominating the first half midfield exchanges and Strikers leading the goal shots count by 5:1, there were some who considered the result a more or less foregone
conclusion. But, as any seasoned football player or supporter knows, there is no league title run in without some
hairpin bends. Glentoran made two substitutions at halftime to shore up their midfield, one of whom was influential Northern Irish international Makayla Mulholland. Strikers’ keeper Angela Platt was forced into action early when a Glens corner hit the upright and the Strikers yellow card count increased by three within 15 minutes, given to McDowell, Murphy and Armour. Glens moved to a five women midfield with 25 minutes to go and this forced Platt into an instinctive goal-line save which was to prove crucial in keeping Strikers’ league title chances alive. Four minutes later a loose pass in midfield was pounced on by Glens striker Debbie Vance who broke through the Strikers defence and placed the ball beyond Platt to make it 2-1. Strikers were forced into a substitution on 81 minutes when Elaine Roden replaced Lisa Armour like for like at left midfield. The final 10 minutes saw Strikers penned into a deep lying defensive position which enabled the Glens’ midfield to run at their oppponents. Glens’ Nadine Caudwell’s unsuccessful direct run on goal on 84 minutes was replicated almost exactly in time added on. This time Strikers were unable to prevent her from entering the penalty box and Sara Booth’s despairing tackle in wet conditions was deemed to have made contact with Caudwell who was brought to the ground. The subsequent penalty was scored by Kelly Bailie and Booth received a red card, having accumulated two over the course of the game. Referee Alan Hayes blew for fulltime 1 minute later bringing the Strikers bench and home crowd to their feet in celebration. The UEFA Women’s Champions league flag and red and black Crusaders colours were displayed proudly as captain Nadine Murphy received the league cup from NIWFA Chairperson Elaine Junk.

Given that the league title is now secure with one round to go, it would be remiss not to commend Glentoran BU on a consistent and competitive season. And, tonight, they brought off a sustained and spirited second half comeback. Indeed, both teams produced a skilful game of football which reflected their first and second positions at the top of the league. In a game of two halves, Glens’ standout players were Nadine Caudwell and Debbie Vance. Strikers captain Nadine Murphy led by example with her workrate and surefooted passing while centre forward Helen McKenna’s confidence is brimming following her two goal haul against Estonia last week. Left back Debbie McCarthy produced another performance which demonstrates her adaptability on either side of the field while Clare Carson has completed an important 90+ minutes up front in advance of Strikers’ European adventure next week. Tonight’s securing of the league was timely for it now allows the squad and management to focus exclusively on what will undoubtedly be a demanding UEFA Women’s Champions league group seven. Strikers also have the luxury of knowing that they have qualified for the 2011/2012 European competition so their football calendar is already filling up 12 months ahead.

Their European adventure kicks off at 7.30pm on Thurs Aug 5th at Moyola Park when they take on Scottish trailblazers Glasgow City. For further information on the UEFA WCL group seven, visit crusaders-strikers.com for a downloadable match ticket and a preview of UEFA WCL 2008/09 winners, FCR 2001 Duisburg, who are fancied to top the group. For a more interactive experience, visit the Facebook Tournament site – Crusaders Strikers Mini Tournament Hosts – for minute by minute updates on the final preparations, team news and arrival of the teams.
Congratulations to everyone involved with the success of Strikers on the field of play and we wish them an equally successful outcome in their pioneering hosting of the Women’s Champions League next week.

Author: Katie Liston

Photos: Stephen Hamilton

Go back to Davisons Frudles Premier League