And the most prized possession in any football team is the goalscorer -the out and out striker, the one who can turn defeat into victory, who, against the odds can stick the ball in the net; who, in a fleeting moment of genius ignites the dullest of contests, whose reputation alone spreads unease in opposing defences.
They are the headliners, the trophy makers, they can stir the crowd, their praises sung from every corner of the ground, eternal glory bestowed on them by grateful supporters. Whilst no-one underestimates their value, midfield maestros, defensive heroes, goalkeeping greats are forced to live in the shadows of those who possess the gift to score.
All managers will say tell you they prefer four or five players sharing the scoring stakes on a regular basis, spreading the load as it were, instead of relying on the ability of a single individual – but are truly glad that up front there is a ‘special one’.
Every year in every club one player usually emerges with the quality to outshine the rest. One who accepts the responsibility; may miss an easy opportunity but will always strive to score in every match, eternal confidence, to forget about the fluffed chance and have a go again.
The League has completed its first half programme and to date it has been a strikers’ paradise. 146 goals have been scored in the Premier and ace high is Glentoran’s top shot, Cathy O’Hagan. At the moment the brilliant Glens striker is unstoppable. It was her single goal that won her the Coca Cola Cup in a 1-0 win over fiercest rivals Crusaders Strikers last year.
She was again the scourge of the Crues with a double in a 4-0 victory in the second match of the season. She was the division’s top scorer last year with 12 goals; but has bypassed that already with 14 goals, well on the way to passing the twenty mark. Linfield’s Kirsty McGuinness (10) and Crusaders’ Helen McKenna (8) are hot on her heels.
Coleraine may be off the pace in the Championship but Lauren Wade outshines all with her scoring feats, notching 12, including five against St. Matthew’s in her last outing and a hat-trick against Dromore Amateurs. She is pursued by Rachel Laverty (8) of Donegal Celtic and YMCA’s Kendra McMullan (7).
Armagh may miss out on promotion from Division One, but are blessed with two strikers who top the division charts – Siobhan Mackle and Megan Bothwell, both on 11 goals apiece. Mackle was a 5-goal artist against Blackieville; Bothwell enhancing her reputation with a six-hit against Knockbreda. Meanwhile Larne’s promotion tilt has been helped in no small way by Gill Small, also on eleven goals, her scoring prowess highlighted with five goals against Tollymore Athletic. In the same match Natasha Ferris (9) fired in five for the Seasiders.
With defences much weaker in the lower divisions, finding the net can be easier for those whose job it is to score. Jenna McDonnell is playing a starring role in Portadown Integrated’s Division 2 title bid with 11 goals to her credit. She began with a hat-trick on opening day against Ballymoney United and hit another against Moyola Park. She is challenged by Bangor Ladies’ Natasha Lee who is on parity; her hat-trick coming against Wellington Rec. Pacemaking Valley Rangers’ shooting star is Nicole Graham (10) who won Division Three’s award last season. Her haul includes 4 goals against Ballymoney and a hat-trick against Cappagh Spurs.
Division Three and Division Four are perfect hunting grounds for anyone with the penchant for scoring. Sprinkled as they are with inexperienced teams, there are opportunities galore for the hotshot. Lauren Brennan (11) spearheads Sion Swifts battle with Lisburn for Division Three supremacy with Crumlin United’s Anna McBride (9) shadowing.
It’s not surprising that the miss-mash of Division Four has thrown up the League’s highest scorer in Newry City’s Moya Feehan who has slammed in a staggering 23 to date. Her colleague Eireann McLoughlan (19) and Moneyslane’s Ashleigh (18) also feature.
Report -: Sammy Martin
