PASS AWAY…Sarah Armstrong gets the pass away
Enniskillen 2
Carrickfergus 1
(After extra time)
There was drama right to the end of Enniskillen’s intermediate plate second round tie on Saturday. It took an extra time silver goal for Enniskillen to see of Carrickfergus and book their place in the quarter finals.
After a pitch inspection in the morning the game was given the go ahead and despite the bitterly cold conditions Skins were up for the game. This showed early on with some terrific running on the wings by Louise Noble and Sarah Armstrong picked out by Stronge from midfield. These early chances weren’t capitalised on and unfortunately for the home side a quick break away down the left by Carrickfergus left a one on one with the keeper and she made no mistake to give the away side the lead at half time.
Although unfortunate to be a goal down, Enniskillen were upbeat at halftime. They knew they were creating chances and if the pattern of the first half continued they would get their reward. And so it proved in the early stages of the second half. With Stevenson pushing on from right back most of the game was now being played in the carrickfergus half of the pitch. Numerous long corners and free hits were won and eventually the pressure told. A quick one two between Stevenson and Stronge on the edge of the circle created the space for Stevenson to cross and Sharon Hutchinson made no mistake in slamming the ball home for a well deserved equaliser. This awakened the away side again for a little spell but the Skins defence dealt with any danger before it reached their circle.
With no more goals forthcoming the match went into extra time with the silver goal rule applying. As with the start of the second half Enniskillen continued to dominate possession and forced a string of penalty corners. It was from one of these corners that the decisive goal came. Stevenson pushed the ball out to Lisa Crawford on the edge of the circle and her straight strike flew past the carrickfergus keeper before she had a chance to react. A terrific winning goal as it turned out because the 2 1 score line at the break of extra time meant the game was over and it is Enniskillen who progress to the next round.
A terrific performance which Enniskillen will now hope to take forward to their game next week when they return to league action against Annadale at Bawnacre Irvinestown.
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