Sunday, 27 July 2008 Section: Women's (Junior) Wilton United 3 – 1 Longford Town

Wilton United struck a peak of form to out-score Longford Town in a marvellous final to the FAI Umbro Women's U14 Cup final at Blarney United’s superb sports complex on Sunday.

Wilton were inspired by team captain Denise O’Sullivan and needed to play to their potential to overcome a Longford team who showed wonderful spirit to overcome the loss of a goal within two minutes of the start of the game to challenge vigorously.

Both teams took advantage of the beautifully prepared playing surface to play football that was constructive and progressive and an absorbing contest ensued.

Longford took a while to put the effects of their early set-back behind them, but they were very much back in the game when they were knocked again as Wilton snatched a second goal ten minutes before half-time.

To their credit they were back in the game in a very real sense with an opportunist goal ten minutes into the second half. It was the boost they needed and they refused to accept defeat until two minutes from time when Wilton had their third goal.

This was a first win in this competition for the Wilton United club and it was a source of great joy to one of the club’s great servants, team manager Pat Bowdren.

This was Bowdren’s seventh time in a national final with various Wilton teams. Their women’s section has teams competing at U12, U14, U16 and U17 levels and the quality of their team in this final was a tribute to the work of the manager and the club’s coaches.

It was fitting that their opening goal, as early as the second minute, was scored by Denis O’Sullivan. A young lady possessed of great skill and imagination, she showed a keen sense of anticipation when she was in the right position to get her head to a corner from Lauren Murphy.

She continued to set the standard as Wilton scored their second in the 25th minute. Lauren Murphy scored this herself, surprising goalkeeper Bethany Houldsworth with a shot from 35 yards that flew into the top of the net.

Longford re-cast their defence for the second half. Leanne Keegan went into goal from left-back and Emer Heaney replaced the goalkeeper and played at left-back.

The Longford management used their subs well and a goal in the 55th minute from team captain Sarah Shannon fired them to renewed efforts. Sharah’s shot from a free rebounded to her off the wall of defenders and she promptly fired the ball into the net.

Wilton continued to use the ball accurately and constructively and Denise O’Sullivan rounded off their win two minutes from full-time. A left wing corner from Lauren Murphy was returned to her and her second cross was turned into the net as Denis got her instep to the ball.

The scenes of celebration reflected the sense of satisfaction enjoyed by all associated with the win and the manner in which Longford contributed so generously to the entertainment was not forgotten by the victors after the presentation by Pauline O’Shaughnessy, Secretary of the Women’s FAI, and Niamh O’Farrell of the FAI.

Teams

Wilton United: Ciara McNamara (Ciara Barnes 69); Jessica Thompson, Ciara O’Connell, Amanda Budden, Niamh O’Regan, Shannon Carson, Denise O’Sullivan (captain), Laura Lynch, Lauren Murphy, Amy O’Connor, Bridget Walsh (Eleanor Stritch 48).

Longford Town: Bethany Houldsworth (Emer Heaney 36); Sarah Madden, Leanne Keegan, Michelle Masterson, Karen Delaney (Shauna Kenny 61), Sarah Shannon (captain), Aisling Reynolds, Michelle Noonan (Aoife Jones 51), Michelle Farrell, Aoife Darcy, Aisling Cosgrove.

Referee: Mr. Pat Buckley (Cork).

Courtesy: FAI Website

27th July - U14s Girls National Cup