THE inaugural awards evening in the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle, back in November, was glittering proof, if indeed such was needed, that the Davison’s Frudles Northern Ireland Women’s Football Association has grown spectacularly in stature and prominence.
It was a night that was 33 years in the making; a belated self tribute that finally installed self belief in all that it stands for. But surely that boundary was crossed many years ago. Ladies football is truly an established sport in Northern Ireland and on the international scene – and the League is its stage. The recent launch of the new season at IFA headquarters was an eager prelude to what fun and excitement lies ahead. The big kick-off is on Wednesday 18 April, with the Premier Division teams in action. The rest take to the field a week later.
“We are looking forward to another successful summer,” enthused League chair, Elaine Junk. “The drama continued right up to the finishing post in most divisions last year. Some bright talent was noticed as many new faces emerged. The League is really on a roll. We did lose a couple of teams for this season, but this was balanced by new entries.
“Our awards evening last year exceeded all expectations and we will be holding another at the end of this season. Another encouraging factor is the decision of Davison’s Frudles to continue its sponsorship, for which we are eternally grateful to Representative Glen Waddell. We will be in discussion with them towards future sponsorship.”
Missing from the line-up this year will be Carrick Rangers, formerly known as Post Office, and one of the League’s oldest clubs, and Dungoyne, both bowing out. In come Newry City, Ballyvange and Banbridge Rangers.
This year’s committee is: Elaine Junk (Chair); Andy Hall (Vice-Chair); Audrey Hanna (Secretary); Donna Marks (Treasurer); Valerie Martin (Child Protection Officer); Basil Marshall (Fixtures Secretary); Sharlene Rainey (Committee Member) and Stephen Magill (Committee Member).
The top prize in any football league is the title. It’s the pinnacle of success, the mark of champions; a trophy to be proud off. The team that wins it is usually made up with a squad of players whose make-up consists of a blend of grit, skill and dogged single-mindedness that surpasses the best that rivals have to offer. These qualities were very much in evidence as Crusaders Strikers – they have dropped the Newtownabbey tag – withstood the season’s examinations last summer to retain the trophy they cherish most – the Premier Division Championship.
With it came guaranteed re-entry into Europe this year, lavish reward for their impressive achievement. They topped off the summer with an enjoyable campaign in Group 7 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. And there’s no doubting that the five times champions will be committed to the cause once again, the attraction of a hat-trick of titles a target to add more determination to their performances.
Glentoran Belfast United’s consolation garlands were the Davison’s Frudles Premier Division Cup and the Coca Cola Irish Cup. What they couldn’t accomplish in the League – Crues winning 2-1 and drawing 2-2 – the Glens strangely achieved over their fiercest rivals in the knock-out competitions, beating them in the semi-final of the Division Cup and the final of the Irish Cup. They will be looking for a way to transfer their Cup invincibility into League supremacy and a passage back to the summit. Catherine O’Hagan, who scored the winner in the Irish Cup final, was the division’s top scorer, and will surely stamp her name on the new season Look out for high intensity action when these two meet again.
At the risk of incurring the wrath of the remaining six teams they will be sparring for a respectable finishing place. Ballymena United All-Stars and Premier Cup finalists Linfield turned in some fine performances to consolidate premier membership, the Blues finishing with an impressive flourish to suggest that they may be the division’s dark horses this summer. Ace Kirsty McGuinness spearheads their attack.
Meanwhile Mid Ulster concluded their season in fifth spot, thanks to some outstanding play by Player of the Year, Northern Ireland U17 / U19 and Senior International Simone ‘Sunnie’ Magill. They will be happy to maintain their mid-table once again. In the scramble for survival points Newbridge Predators were best as YMCA and Cliftonville were condemned to relegation. It will be interesting to see how promoted Fermanagh Mallards and Loughgall Lakers fare. Both dominated the Championship Division last year, but they are in the big time now and life won’t be so comfortable.
Unlike last season, the Championship Division will be hotter than an Indian curry and promises a roller-coaster ride for the eight participants. Mark Leahy’s Downpatrick sweated their way into the Division behind Limavady, although winning the Division One Cup was a pleasing piece of icing on the cake. It will be the club’s highest placing since joining the League and if they remain there it must surely be regarded as success by Down’s County town team boss.
The teams seem suitably balanced. Relegated Cliftonville and YMCA will be out to regain their place back in the Premier as quick as possible whilst Dromore Amateurs, whose Kerry Taggart was the section’s most potent striker, must be fancied. Donegal Celtic should also be in the promotion mix as indeed should St. Matthew’s – and don’t dismiss Coleraine!
Ill-fated Banbridge were Division One’s most unlucky side. Despite being perpetually involved in the title fight, they faltered in the tense run-in and also suffered defeat in the divisional final. Surely they will have an inspirational season. Blackieville blew it by playing illegal players, so they have a point to prove while Runaway Division Two champs Derry City must rate their chances.
Larne failed to make an impact in the Championship but relegation may have been a blessing in disguise as they could find their level and enjoy their football much more. Armagh and Knockbreda will pick up a fair share of points, but it could be another struggle for Portaferry and Tollymore Athletic, who were on a freefall to Division Two and only survived because of a restructuring of the lower divisions.
There was no entry into Division One for plucky Division Two title fighters 1st Bangor so maybe this could be their year. However promoted Valley Rangers, thanks to the scoring feats of Nicole Graham, seem good enough to sustain a genuine challenge in the higher division. Cappagh Spurs and Ballymoney United are another duo of possible champs. Portadown Integrated, Bangor Ladies, Moyola Park and Wellington Rec will be happy to finish in decent positions.
Sion Swifts streaked away with the Division Four championship last time around and don’t be surprised if they cope well with Division Three and possibly joust for the crown. Others to watch out for are PSNI and Abbey Villa. The remainder – Rossglass County, Ballynahinch Olympic, Crumlin United, Killyleagh and Lisburn may toil as the season warms up.
Division Four takes on a brand new look, providing a more competitive season for the teams concerned. Put your hand in the lucky dip and pick a winner from Ballyvange, Banbridge Rangers, Craigavon City, Dromara Village, Moneyslane and Newry City.
Glenn Wadell (davisons Frudles) Elaine Junk (niwfa Chairperson) With Representatives From Premier League
Glenn Wadell (davisons Frudles) Elaine Junk (niwfa Chairperson) With Representatives From Championship
Glenn Wadell (davisons Frudles) Elaine Junk (niwfa Chairperson) With Representatives From Division 1
Glenn Wadell (davisons Frudles) Elaine Junk (niwfa Chairperson) With Representatives From Division 2
Glenn Wadell (davisons Frudles) Elaine Junk (niwfa Chairperson) With Representatives From Division 3
Glenn Wadell (davisons Frudles) Elaine Junk (niwfa Chairperson) With Representatives From Division 4
Glenn Wadell (davisons Frudles) Elaine Junk (niwfa Chairperson) With Sharon Campbell (glentoran Belfast United)
Glenn Wadell (davisons Frudles) Haden Davis (lisburn Ladies)
Glenn Wadell (davisons Frudles) Neil Morrow (linfield Ladies)
Author: Sammy Martin
Photos: Sportnpics
