Clerihan Ladies FC 3 – 2 Dualla Ladies FC

Clerihan ladies began their season in this year’s women’s soccer league with a close run victory over league newcomers Dualla Ladies FC on a wet and windy evening in Clerihan last weekend. The home side started quicker than a nervous Dualla, and scored within the first five minutes, before leaving the Dualla girls chasing for the rest of the first half. Perhaps it was first night nerves, but Dualla never showed their true ability, and Clerihan had the better chances to open a bigger lead, but still went to the break only a solitary goal to the good.

However, they made amends in the second half, and converted two goals through Marie Mulcahy and a cheeky lob from Amy Tobin, to put them clear, and seemingly coasting to an easy victory. Nevertheless, Dualla showed why they have had some success in pre season friendlies, and why they may become a force to be reckoned with as they gain more experience, when they finally woke from their slumber. A speculative free kick from Jenny O Dwyer was latched onto by Dualla striker Amy Bargary, and finished with the minimum of fuss to the Clerihan net, reducing the lead to two goals.

Within minutes, the same two players combined to reduce the lead even further, when a well crafted pass from Amy Bargary split the Clerihan defence open, and this time it was her partner in crime Jenny O Dwyer who stole through to finish in the bottom corner. It seemed that an unlikely comeback was on the cards, but Clerihan regrouped and held out to claim the three points in the end.