Linfield Ladies lost to League Champions Newtownabbey Strikers in last nights Davisons Frudles NIWFA Premier League fixture at a wet and windy Mallusk. Keen to avenge last weeks reverse the 3-2 defeat was a disappointment for the girls.
Starting well Linfield took an early lead, in fact with little over two minutes on the clock Kirsty McGuinness collected the ball wide on the right, cut past two visiting defenders before calmly bending the ball into the top corner of the net giving Platt no chance. Soon after Dempster just failed to get on the end of Grays cross to the back post to increase the lead.
Strikers steeled themselves and the experienced international quartet in midfield began to take control forcing the young blues to defend for a period. This pressure resulted in the equaliser with a looping Patterson cross being headed home at the back post. Strikers went ahead close to half time when a free kick launched into the box was not dealt with and allowed Boyd to sneak in a header.
Strikers started well in the second half playing keep ball for the first ten without really doing any damage, however, after losing the ball on the edge of the box to McDowell, who passed to McKenna, Linfield conceded and 3-1 it was.
Not throwing the towel in, the young Blues responded well and dominated the remainder of the game giving Strikers a real scare. Pushing their opponents to the very end and competing better in midfield Linfield scored a sublime equaliser built from the back. This time McGuinness turned provider, having been found with a fantastic pass from 16 yr old Bruton. Taking on and mesmerising two defenders down the right before looking up and playing a fantastic right footed pass to Ennis, who arrived late on the edge of the box to place the ball firmly in the visitors net.
Linfield pushed for the equaliser, with all three forwards forcing saves from Platt and a couple of opportunities going begging, just past the post. Not having it all their own way though Linfield rode their luck a couple of times when experienced Strikers forwards really should have done better.
3-2 it ended, but not before a final flourish, with McGuinness forcing Platt into an excellent near post stop with the last kick of the game.
Linfield will be heartened by their second half display against last seasons League winners with both games in the past seven days providing proof that progress is being made. Its also good to see the midfield continue to contribute to the scoring charts. Next week sees Linfield away to Newbridge Predators.
report -: Neil Morrow Linfield Ladies
