RAPHOE’S LADIES CONTINUED their magnificent start to the Senior 1 season by defeating Larne in a thriller on Saturday.
Larne Ladies First XI 3 Raphoe Ladies First XI 4
Larne started the sprightly of the two teams. Raphoe were not at the races in the first 20 minutes. Larne threats at the Raphoe defence and goal unsettled the Donegal girls.
Larne went in front with a well-worked short corner and Raphoe were reduced to ten players when Louise Moran was given a green card after her foot was deemed to deliberately have stopped the ball.
Raphoe dug deep and started to turn their first half performance around.
Raphoe drew level when Wendy Patterson fired into the area, Rachel Buchanan pulled the defender and slipped the ball back to Patterson, who slotted to the net.
Raphoe dominated as the second half commenced. Against the run of play Larne scored and Raphoe found themselves trailing once again.
Kimberly Porter leveled the score by taking the opportunity when it presented itself.
Raphoe were now starting to dominate the midfield area with Sarah Patterson, Rachel Buchanan and Esther Hume dictating and breaking down play and Lyndsey Tinney supporting from the back.
Sabrina Barnett steadied the back line with a calm and composure performance. Barnett with Victoria Wray, Arlyne Kilpatrick, Sarah Boal and Louise Moran worked tirelessly to control the Larne forwards and influence play.
Raphoe got their noses in front when Rachel Buchanan and Kimberley Porter combined. Porter saw the galloping run of Leanne Patterson, who loves a one-on-one challenge.
She wrong footed the ‘keeper and pushed the ball into the Larne net to put her team on the front foot for the first time in the match.
The fourth goal arose with individual brilliance from Leanne Patterson inside the Larne area. She evaded tackle after tackle and used her superior skill to weave through traffic and lay the ball of to the unmarked stick to Porter, who rammed the ball home.
Raphoe looked like they had the game wrapped up but Larne were not to be underestimated.
A quick break down the left and a flying cross was beautifully deflected passed keeper Denise McElhinney.
With two minutes remaining Raphoe regained composure and successfully ran out the clock to another victory.
Player of the match was awarded to Leanne Patterson for her individual talent and continually menacing within the Larne defence.
Next week Raphoe Ladies First XI play at home against Cookstown First XI.
Raphoe: Denise McElhinney, Victoria Wray, Louise Moran, Lyndsey Tinney, Sarah Boal, Arlyne Kilpatrick, Rachel Buchanan, Sarah Patterson, Wendy Patterson, Esther Hume, Leanne Patterson, Kimberly Porter, Shannon Porter, Sabrina Barnett
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