Strike two to Crusaders
By Sammy Martin
IT might have been tougher second time around but Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers made it a double hit against Linfield to maintain their advantage at the top of the table in the Davison’s Frudles NIWFA League.
The last time the sides met it was 5-0 to the champions but it was a more resilient Linfield team that strove hard to produce a challenge worthy of some appreciation before losing out 4-2. However the expectant outcome was completed.
Crusaders will undoubtedly be happy to have cleared the Linfield hurdle twice as the blossoming Blues, although blowing hot and cold, possess a hidden quality that emerges now and then, enabling them to catch out the unwary.
Strikers, aware of the Linfield threat, treated their opponents with total respect, which went a long way to sealing eventual victory. Experience, class, positivity and expectancy oozed from the champs as they set about consolidating their leading role.
The unwavering penalty strike of Danielle McDowell; the class of Helen McKenna as she deposited her sixth goal of the season; the stinging snatch and grab raid by Terry Harpur and the excellence of Julie Nelson were powerful indications of a team purring joyously on course to retain their crown.
Tricky winger Kirsty McGuinness went on some mesmerising raids to spread occasional worry among the Crues defence and was rewarded with a brilliant retaliatory goal.
However as the League moves into its second half programme, the dominance of the big two should prevail.
Crusaders, sprinkled as they are with their share of Northern Ireland internationals, are at ease with themselves, and though it won’t entirely be plain sailing from here on, there doesn’t seem to be too many clouds on their horizon, albeit fierce rivals Glentoran are lurking.
Even at such early notice, it would seem a draw in their second round game with BU would be enough to seal a second successive title.
DETHRONED champs Glentoran Belfast United walked the tightrope in their meeting with Newbridge Predators.
Knowing the margin between success and failure will probably hinge on their second meeting with Crusaders, any sudden slip between now and then would mean instant doom. It was a far from convincing win as they squeezed past Predators who suffered a 3-0 defeat at the first time of asking.
Gail Macklin’s goal was the solitary difference between the sides at the end as Glens laboured to stamp their authority on a team going in the opposite direction, ground in the bottom position with relegation a distinct possibility.
It can’t be all Queen Mary-cruising though and sometimes the waves have to be conquered Kon-Tiki expedition-style that calls on endurance and perseverance. The Glens did it Thor Heyerdahl fashion and remain in hot pursuit of the team that stole away their crown last season.
WHEN Ballymena All-Stars and YMCA met on the first day of the new season they shared a 1-1 draw. Since then a chasm has grown between the teams and it was all too stark in their latest result.
The All-Stars, well clear of fourth-placed Mid Ulster in third spot, sauntered to an overwhelming 8-1 bludgeoning of their hapless hosts at Drumahoe.
YMCA, swinging precariously above the relegation trapdoor, have their work cut out to avoid the drop to the Championship section.
Despite their enthusiasm, young YMCA’s limitations were cruelly exposed by an efficient Antrim team that transposed their favourite tag onto the pitch, delivering a perfect show.
Miranda Graham was Ballymena’s eager beaver, her extravagant excursions into YMCA territory reaping dividends as she hammered her way to a hat-trick.
Sadly for YMCA it became a parade of All-Stars’ hits as Alison Smyth scored twice with Wendy Young, Clare Timothy and an o.g. making it a night to remember for both sides – for contrasting reasons!
MID ULSTER will probably feel more annoyed about their 1-1 draw with Cliftonville than their opponents.
Whilst the Reds are scrambling to claw themselves away from relegation danger, Noel Mitchell’s team are safely closeted in mid-table – at the moment.
Mid Ulster won 3-1 first time around, but had to rely on Simone Magill’s goal to prevent defeat this time. Louise Irvine meanwhile earned Cliftonville a welcome point with her strike.
DROMORE increased their Championship aspirations with a narrow 3-2 triumph over Donegal Celtic.
Mairead McLaughlin and Lauren Moore were on target for Celtic, but Dromore held on to win.
BLACKIEVILLE reign supreme in Division One and underpinned their authority with a 6-2 throttling of pretenders Armagh City.
Had City pinched a win from the encounter they could have leapt two points clear of their opponents at the top. Instead they are now flailing four adrift – as are other challengers Downpatrick and Banbridge.
The irrepressible Seaneen Kane ran riot, Blackieville’s scoring machine in full running order, scoring a majestic four goals to send her tally soaring to eleven.
Christine McGarry also got on the scoresheet, whilst an o.g. compounded a dismal evening for City despite defiant goals from Joanne Mullan and Siobhan Mackle.
IT’S going well for Valley Rangers in Division Three. They retain an unblemished record with a 5-0 stroll over PSNI.
The section’s leading scorer Nicole Graham slammed in two to reach the twelve mark with Paula Haugh, also with a double, and an o.g. completing another great evening for the Mourne club.
A pin-sized Division Four saw top two Sion Swifts and Lisburn chalk up comfortable wins.
Title favourites Sion trounced Craigavon 10-0 with goals from Lauren Brennan (2), who has now scored a staggering 27 goals, Louise Coyle (2), Lena Toland (2), Alison Maybin, Claragh Connor and Zara O’Hagan
It was also too easy for Lisburn who destroyed Dromara 7-0. Laura Walker was remorseless, helping herself to five goals with Chrisine Clews also finding the net.
THE Big two have avoided each other in their entry into the Coca Cola Irish Cup although both face Premier Division opposition.
Holders Glentoran BU travel to Ballymena All-Stars whilst Crusaders journey to Cliftonville.
Full Draw: Cliftonville v Crusaders; YMCA v Blackieville; Dromore Amats. v Sion Swifts; Ballymena All-Stars v Glentoran BU; Fermanagh Mallards v Linfield; Lisburn v Mid Ulster; St. Matthew’s v Newbridge Predators; Banbridge v Donegal Celtic.
