Strikers 'warm up' in Spain

Report by Laura Johnston / Photos by Stephen Hamilton

Newtownabbey Strikers W.F.C. were invited to Bilbao, Spain by Athletico Bilbao Club, after having formed a friendship during their UEFA Women's Cup campaign in 2004. They competed in a mini tournament with the Athletic Club and Barcelona. Their first match against Barcelona kicked off in 26 degree heat in front of a packed stadium with approximately 2,000 spectators. The first twenty minutes Newtownabbey Strikers were able to hold their composure and keep Barcelona from scoring, with captain Roisin McFeely showing great presence to hassle the Barcelona midfield. However, with the heat conditions and the overall strength of the Barcelona team Strikers soon let their guard down to let Barcelona's number six, Gemma Guer Gener start the scoring for her team. Although Striker's goalkeeper showed great goalkeeping talent, while sustaining an injury to her ankle, Barcelona's ability to place the ball in the back of the net overshadowed her attempts. The match ended with a 4-0 score line but Strikers had battled hard, with admirable to deny them further victory goals.

Next up Newtownabbey Strikers played Athletico Bilbao. After just fifteen minutes rest between games the Strikers came up against a fresh Bilbao team. Being champions of their league yet again Bilbao knew how they could perform and they did not let their committed spectators down. Strikers were able to keep possession of the ball and play some great one touch football with the younger members of the team, Lisa Armour, Gemma Wasson, Katherine Haveron, Nicole Vance and Clare Forsythe showing great maturity in their composure on the ball. However, their fatigue soon got the better of them and Athletic Bilbao were able to take advantage of this and start to ping the ball around the pitch. Their precision passes made life difficult for the visiting team and soon goals were being conceded, with Vanessa Rodriguez opening up the scoring with a glancing header from a fine corner. Bilbao continued to show their scoring ability with four more goals finding the back of the Strikers net. Strikers had put up a great battle but the hosting team were too strong for them showing they are in a different league from the Northern Ireland team.