With only four matches to go in the NIWFA Davisons Frudles Championship YMCA Ladies crucially went top of the table after beating Coleraine Ladies at the University of Ulster venue on Thursday night to round off a good week for the Drumahoe based outfit. Earlier in the week YM received a favourable home draw in the League Cup semi-final against St Matts, Belfast and league leaders Cliftonville could only draw away to Dromore and this left the door open for YM to put the destination of the league title in their own hands if they could defeat Coleraine and go a point clear in the title race.
It was clear from the start of the game that Coleraine were not going to roll over to their North-West neighbours and they frustrated YM throughout the first half with a dogged defensive display. YM created only three clear cut chances in the first period and each time the excellent Coleraine keeper produced quality saves from McMullan, Mc Cann and Bergin.
YM upped the tempo in the second pushing for the all important 3pts and five minutes in Bergin had a half chance but her shot sailed past the post. YM kept peppering the Coleraine goal but the Bannsiders were battling like demons to keep the clean sheet. However on the hour mark, YM finally made the breakthrough when from an Avilla Bergin corner, Tasmin McCarter headed home to give YM the lead.
YM pushed on for the second and five minutes later they got it when once again centre back Mc Carter fired home from close range following a Mc Mullan corner to make the game safe.
YM completely dominated in the final quarter of the game but failed to add to their tally and eventually ran out 2-0 winners.
The league title is now in YM’s own hands and with matches against Donegal Celtic (home), Downpatrick (away), St Matts(home) and Limavady(away) YM will be hopeful that by the 10th August they will be crowned champions but the season has had many twists and turns so far and no one will be taking anything for granted just yet.
Reprt -: Greg McKeever YMCA
