NIWFA Davison’s Frudles Football
By Sammy Martin
The pain of success
MID Ulster rode the pain of opening day exertions to snatch victory over Cliftonville in the Davison’s Frudles NIWFA Premier League – and sound out a warning to all who dare dismiss them lightly.
Four goals were scored, 3-1 to Mid Ulster, which at first glance hints of sporting excellence, but the sprinklings of endearing cameos were enveloped in a physical duel that threatened to spill over into an angry exchange.
Mid Ulster’s pre-match plans were blown away in the space of twenty minutes as the influential Mykylea Stewart and Michelle Scott departed the scene, Stewart with a serious hamstring injury and Scott to a recurring injury. Now on crutches, Myky seems doomed for a long spell on the sideline. Best wishes go to her for a speedy recovery. Ruth McGarvey and the experienced Rachel Stewart replaced the injured pair.
The home side were quick to recover from their first setback, Simone Magill softening the blow with a sublime, individual goal to hoist them into the lead. And Debbie Rankin preserved it with a brilliant tip over the bar. On the stroke of half-time however Martine Power swooped during a goalmouth scramble to poke the ball to the net for a Cliftonville equaliser.
Magill’s pace down the right flank became a worry for the Reds during an anxious second half, but it was Chloe Barnes who grabbed Mid Ulster’s second goal when she pounced to tuck away after Rachel Stewart’s initial shot rebounded off the ‘keeper.
Cliftonville strove hard to get back on terms again, but the home back line of Claire and Ruth Brown, Karen Donnell and Louise Murphy, along with ‘keeper Rankin, had become an impenetrable barrier. The visitors’ task was made more difficult when they were reduced to ten players, Marissa Callaghan dismissed by referee Joshua Porter following a second yellow card offence.
Hayley O’Donnell and Adele Gillespie were a troublesome duo for Cliftonville, who, it has to be said, were battling furiously to snatch something from the game.
An inspirational dash by Gillespie from deep though finally demolished Cliftonville’s challenge when she sped in to fire to the net to seal a welcome victory for her side.
Clare Charles was the stand-in boss of Mid Ulster due to the absence of Noel Mitchell who was away on international duty in Scotland with the Northern Ireland U-15 team. “We had to overcome a tenacious challenge from Cliftonville and it was only in the latter stages of the game that we managed to break clear,” said Clare.
“Our girls though showed great composure to bounce back after Cliftonville had equalised. It was a great test of character to go on and win it. The injuries to Myky and Michelle put a bit of dampener on it.”
Mid Ulster’s second outing takes them to Linfield on Wednesday evening.
RESOUNDING
THEIR declaration of intent was resounding and absolute. In the opening defence of their crown Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers were purposeful and menacing.
A tender Linfield Ladies side was crushed 5-0 at the Seaview stronghold as the new champions threw down the gauntlet.
Home comfort meant that the Crues played with a sense of freedom and expression. Their repertoire of goals were delivered in eye-catching fashion and one had to sympathise with new manager Neil Morrow’s luckless visitors whose brave bid to extract some crumbs from the champs was flattened with cruel efficiency
Once the Crues had settled, expectancy was in the air, and as they moved into dominant mode, there was going to be no surprise sprung by an enthusiastic but outclassed Linfield, who suffered injuries to Julie-Anne McCann and Katrina Montgomery. It has to be said Blues manager Morrow is rebuilding his side and, with the exception of a few good results here and there, it may take some time before they will be a recognisable force. Division stability would seem his priority.
Two goals from Danielle McDowell and one apiece from Helen McKenna, Julie Nelson and Lisa Armour secured a precious opening win for the champions.
“Linfield may not be one of the fancied sides, but they can toss in surprise shows. Luckily for us it wasn’t here and once we went ahead we were confident of securing victory,” said two-goal ace McDowell. “We took a firm grip and never looked in danger. It was nice to net a couple of goals.”
NO- NONSENSE
THIS week the Crues travel to Newbridge Predators who succumbed 3-0 to former champions Glentoran Belfast United but not before a stubborn resistance that merited a sprig of reward. However it was a no-nonsense, impacting performance by the Glens who are surely out to claim back the throne that was stunningly whipped away from them last season.
Happy manager Cheryl Lamont looked on as Catherine O’Hagan’s brace and an Amy Doherty strike secured Glens’ success, setting them up nicely for their visit to YMCA. “We needed a good start to platform our season,” enthused Cheryl. “We knew the Predators were quite capable of giving us a testing contest and we couldn’t afford to take them lightly.
“Catherine took her goals well and I have to be content with our overall performance. We are up and running and that’s what counts, although there is a long way to go. But yes, it was a good evening’s show.”
SATISFACTORY
DIVISION newcomers YMCA’s journey to Ballymena All-Stars ended in a satisfactory outcome as they held their hosts to a 1-1 draw. This close encounter offered few goal-scoring opportunities and it was perhaps justice to both teams that they emerged with something to show for their endeavours. Kendra McMullan found the net for YMCA with Naomi Thompson on target for the Ballymena.
The All-Stars travel to Cliftonville this week with YMCA facing a daunting assignment in their home meeting with Glentoran Belfast United.
GIRL POWER
WHILST the men are playing their parts in the League, it is already noticeable that a gathering of ladies continues to occupy major roles this season.
Cheryl Lamont continues as the manager of Glentoran Belfast United with Sandy Shaw still with Newbridge Predators. Clare Charles was at the helm for Mid Ulster, stepping in for the absent Noel Mitchell, and Cliftonville began their Premier League campaign under the watchful eye of experienced manager Rhoda Cassidy.
ACTION PACKED
THIS week serves up a full action-packed programme as the other Davison’s Frudles divisions begin their campaigns. Over 500 lady players will take to the fields of play, testament to the growing popularity of ladies football.
Promoted St. Matthew’s will have their first taste of Championship football when they travel to Larne Ladies (Wed. 21), whilst there should be an interesting duel between Donegal Celtic and Coleraine (Thurs. 22).
Downpatrick will be glad last season’s tormentors St. Matthew’s are no longer in their group and will be out to win their opener at home in Dunleath Park against neighbours Tollymore in Division One (Wed. 21).
Portaferry are on a long hike to Armagh (Fri. 23) and will want to make the trip worthwhile.
In Division Two Bangor’s expedition to Derry City may prove fruitful (Thurs 22) with Ballymoney entertaining Wellington Rec (Thurs 22).
In Division Three Rossglass could find it hard to hold down visiting Valley Rangers, who as Kilkeel last summer, ran away with Division Four. Killyleagh host Portadown Integrated while Ballynahinch Olympic and Abbey Villa are at home to PSNI and Crumlin United respectively.
Lisburn Ladies, with goals from Stacy Murdock and Aimee McKeown, made a winning start to the season with a 2-1 victory over Moneyslane. They will be out to make it two in a row on their trip to Sion Swifts.
