YM started as strong favourites against the Roesiders and this was borne out in the early exchanges with YM dominating in midfield but goal scoring chances were at a premium. However on the quarter hour mark YM made the breakthrough when Mairead Mc Cann put Avilla Bergin through on goal and she fired past the keeper into the net.
Limavady however came storming back and ex YM player Amy Lee Mc Ivor produced a stunning save from Watson in the YM goal on the 30 min mark. Five minutes before the break YM seemed to have sealed the title when Aine Mc Keever headed home from a corner to make it 2-0 to YM at the interval.
YM started the second half strongly to try and kill off the Limavady challenge and Mc Keever smashed the ball off the upright from a free kick and Bergin also hit the crossbar in the opening quarter but Limavady hauled themselves back into the game when Mc Ivor hit a stunning strike from outside the box into the roof of the net past the despairing dive of Watson in the YM goal. Things then got worse for YM when Mc Ivor again fired home from distance to level the match at 2-2 with 15mins on the clock.
YM pushed forward looking for the winning goal and Mc Cann almost got on the end of a Bergin cross and Smallwoods had an effort saved. Limavady however looked dangerous going forward against a now nervous YM defence and Watson produced a couple of fine stops in the latter stages. However with 5 mins left Avilla Bergin rifled in a goal from the edge of the box which put YM 3-2 in front and YM then held out to the final whistle which was greeted with great celebrations by the YM players and travelling supporters.
NIWFA representative Valerie Martin presented YMCA captain Chloe Archibald with the Championship trophy after the game which finally confirmed that this young YM team would once again compete in the top tier of Womens Football in NI – the Premier League, next season.
But before that YM have a chance to complete a historic league and cup double when they play Cliftonville in the League Cup Final on Monday 29 August at Moyola Park, KO 8.00pm.
Greg Mc Keever
Chloe Receiving Trophy
Greg, Floyd and Chloe
