THREE first half goals secured a priceless victory for Donegal Women’s League U17s, who were able to absorb sustained Galway pressure to maintain their excellent season.
Donegal Womens League 3-2 Galway WFC
In the previous encounter between these sides Galway came away with a 2-0 victory.
Donegal had the first chance when Erika Gallagher’s strike hit the crossbar in the sixth minute.
Donegal’s opener came in the 14th minute when Siobhan Cameron headed into the net from an Erin Doherty corner.
Donegal were on top and made their dominance count with two quick goals from Emma Doherty in the 24th and 28th minutes.
Keri Loughrey was at the heart of things for Donegal as she linked between defence and Doherty.
Jodie Loughrey hit the crossbar before Doherty had a header cleared off the line.
Elizabell Fitzpatrick hit the crossbar for Galway just before half time.
On a turn of the wheel Galway came out in the second half dominating for long periods.
Darcey Kelly made a great inception to prevent Sky Corcoran from running onto a through ball.
Elizabell Fitzpatrick pulled one back for Galway on 56 minutes after a good run down the right, cutting in on Emily Irwin before slotting ball into bottom corner.
Donegal continue to defend however following a loose clearance Eabha O’Riordan latched onto the ball just outside the box, and turned Lucy Canning before slotting the ball in past Leah McLoughlin.
This made for a exciting nail biting finale, but Donegal were resilient in defence holding out to claim all three points.
Donegal Women’s League; Leah McLoughlin, Lucy Canning (Jodie McFadden 81), Shania McMonagle, Darcey Kelly, Emily Irwin (Niamh Seeeney 63 (Nicole McDaid 75)), Jodie Loughrey, Keri Loughrey, Erin Doherty (Sophie Murphy 73) Erika Gallagher, Siobhan Cameron (Megan McLoughlin 51) Emma Doherty.
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