DONEGAL Women’s League Under-15s swept aside their Inishowen counterparts tonight at a soaking Diamond Park.
Donegal Women’s League 4 Inishowen Women’s League 0
A brace by Megan McLoughlin and strikes from Erika Gallagher and Rachel Friel sealed a fine win for the Donegal side in this Gaynor Cup qualifier group gam.
Inishowen traveled to Ballyare in hope and they fashioned an early chance with home ‘keeper Leah McLoughlin saving from Ellie Long.
However, they were stunned when Donegal broke the deadlock soon after.
Donegal had begun to play with some purpose when Megan McLoughlin cracked a superb strike that flew over the Inishowen goalkeeper Hollie Ferguson. It was some calling card for the Mulroy woman to leave and a memorable way to open the scoring.
Erika Gallagher has been attending trials for the Irish Schools team in recent weeks and the Loreto student almost doubled the lead. Gallagher fired against the post, but she got a second go after Inishowen turned the ball away for a corner.
Erin Doherty’s corner was perfect for Gallagher to head home the second.
Before half-time, the in-form Gallagher created the third. Gallagher’s superb cross found McLoughlin. Still with a little to do, McLoughlin spun to find the bottom corner with a neat finish.
It was a long way back for Inishowen, but it was to their credit that they never gave up, even in the drenching downpours that rained on Donegal League headquarters.
Donegal added a fourth when Friel made no mistake with a clever finish to seal a good night at the office for the home team.
Donegal Women’s League: Leah McLoughlin, Siobhan Cameron, Darcy Kelly, Shania McMonagle, Emily Irwin, Ciara Molloy, Erin Doherty, Megan McLoughlin, Nicole McDaid, Erika Gallagher, Ella McHugh. Subs: Aoife Sweeney, Rachel Friel, Clodagh Heron, Roisin Lynch, Sarah McGinley, Claire Diver, Eva Blaney.
Inishowen Women’s League: Hollie Ferguson, Alanah Brennan, Jodie Loughrey, Keisha Friel, Ella McGonigle, Kerri Loughrey, Julia Grant, Fiona Doherty, Ailigh Doherty, Ellie Long, Lorinne Green. Subs: Imogen Diver, Bria McGilloway, Cora McGee, Olivia Doherty, Clara Gill, Suzie Lafferty.
Referee: Liam McLaughlin.