St Brigid’s U12 Girls began their first league match on Friday 11th April 2014 against Ardoyne at Musgrave.  A strong squad of 15 girls turned out for the first time together competitively and were determined to put on a good show.

As Ardoyne had limited numbers both sides agreed to field 9-a-side and the game lasted over 40 minutes, being played over 4 quarters of 10 minutes each.  The experience of the older girls who play with the U14 squad gave confidence to the younger girls coming up from U10s.

The match got off to a great start with strong disciplined tackling from our girls.  Swift accurate passing led to the ball quickly moving up the field and it wasn’t long before the ball ended up in the Ardoyne net.  Ardoyne realised they were up for the challenge and pressed forward but fierce defending by the St Brigids backs protected their goals and the Adroyne forwards were limited to long range attempts.

As the game developed the coaches rotated the squad to try out girls in different positions.  Even with these changes the standard of football displayed by the girls never dropped and everyone worked hard for each other right to the final whistle.

All in all it was an encouraging start to the season and competition for places will be hard fought and I’m sure the U14 management, who were standing by watching, will have taken note of some fine performances.

U12/14 training is on at Harlequins on Monday night  at 7pm – There will be NO GAME on Good Friday

The squad was Orlaith Lynch, Ciara Austin, Connie McMurray, Sarah Higgins, Rosa Birt, Beth Courtney, Teresa Mellon, Eve Finnegan, Emma Donnelly, Aideen Mallon, Mary Mitchell, Aine McCann, Hannah Glover, Ella Glover and Aileen McDonnell. Thanks to the numerous coaches and parents who turned out in force to support the team.

By Paul Gormley Sat 12th Apr