Galway WFC complete U17 league and FAI Cup double

Galway WFC 3

Wexford Youths 1

Mike Rafferty at Eamonn Deacy Park

HAVING created history when winning the FAI U17 Cup for the first time three weeks ago, Galway WFC added to their roll of honour in Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday evening when they added the League title to seal a magnificant end of season double.

With the club never having won any honours previously, Phil Trill’s side have certainly left their mark  on the National stage and while this success was along the expected lines, they were made to work hard for a victory that was always in their grasp.

After a scoreless opening half, Galway WFC they had to do it the hard way as they came from behind with goals from Annie Gough, Kayle Brady and Aoibhin Donnolly to overcome an earlier effort from the visitors’ Blessing Kinsley.

Backboned by a number of players who have performed at U17 and U19 international level, Galway WFC were by far the better side, but for a long time struggled to impose themselves in the last third of the park. Eventually, a goal direct from a corner by Annie Gough got them off the mark and from then on, they had more of a cutting edge with two subsequent goals confirming their superiority.

The home team set the tone from the early exchanges, but struggled to break down the visitors defence. After collecting a pass from the excellent Shauna Brennan, Anna Fahey drew a sharp reflex save from Jean Doyle Kavanagh on 20 minutes, while the goalkeeper then used her legs to clear the resulting Gough corner off the line.

At the other end, the home defence were comfortable as goalkeeper Abbie Ronayne saw little action. However, the course of the game changed on 47 minutes when a rare error in the home defence saw a back pass left short and Blessing Kinsley took full advantage to get the better of Ronayne in a one-on-one situation.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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