This was a big match for the Raphoe Ladies who are determined to prove they deserve their spot in the Premier League.
Rainey 1 Raphoe 1
Raphoe got off to a great start this week winning and converting a short corner in the third minute of the game.
The ball was passed around the back out to Janice Nelson on the left who slotted the ball to Zara Tinney who won a short corner.
Wendy Patterson took a clinical straight shot at goal and hit the backboard. Raphoe were 1-0 up and the whole match to play.
The Raphoe defensive line are used to passing the ball around the back between Arlyne Kilpatrick, Vicky Wray, Lisa Patterson and Janice Nelson and then picking out passes to work the ball forward through the girls in the centre – Leanne Patterson, Sabrina Barnett and Wendy Patterson.
This tactic didn’t work as well this weekend. Rainey put a high press on and it was difficult to get the ball moving. There were some great balls getting through the Rainey defence but these were difficult to pick up at times.
The second quarter saw Rainey pull back level.
They kept the pressure on the Raphoe hit out and managed to win a short corner which they put away with a reverse deflection.
Raphoe did manage to pick out gaps and passes were made through to Lisa Smyth, Sophie Wallace, Shannon Porter and Sarah McErlean.
Leanne Patterson, Zara Tinney, Naomi Wasson and Katie Love worked tirelessly up front creating space and chances but the score remained 1 all at half time.
The second half kicked off with Rainey making a lot of break away runs and Heather Humphrey was tested in the Raphoe Goal using both pads and hands to make saves.
Raphoe were unlucky not to convert some good balls across the Rainey circle. The intensity was building in the 3rd quarter as Raphoe were battling hard and determined to fight until the end for a win. With the high intensity at this point in the game some passion spilled onto the pitch and Raphoe were unlucky to have 2 players sent off during the third quarter.
The final quarter saw every Raphoe player putting in 110 per cent effort. With 11 players back on the pitch it was a race against the clock to try for a win. In the dying seconds of the game Raphoe won a short corner which was executed very well but the Rainey keeper was too good.
Raphoe are looking forward to playing this team again on home ground.
Raphoe: Heather Humphrey, Arlyne Kilpatrick, Victoria Wray, Lisa Patterson, Janice Nelson, Sarah McErlean, Sabrina Barnett, Wendy Patterson, Sophie Wallace, Zara Tinney, Leanne Patterson, Katy Love, Lisa Smyth, Shannon Porter, Naomi Wasson.
