Portlaoise girls pass Donegal test to reach last 16 of SFAI National Cup

Portlaoise u15 girls travelled to Donegal Town to play Drumbar in the final 32 of the SFAI National Cup. Portlaoise, last years winners at u14 are now playing the u16 competition so every opponent is not just a step up in level but also a step up in age. 

Drumbar, have always had pedegree in girls soccer so it would be a big test, especially after the 3 and a half hour journey to Gods county.

Portlaoise very quickly asserted themselves upon the hosts. Not having Ciara Breslin (hamstring) gave way to Leah Brennan and Keelin Moore to lead the front line. Big little shoes to fill with Breslins absence. Emma Francis single handedly took control of the midfield, always looking to bring Anna Keegan and Leah Brophy on the wings. Drumbar were under pressure yet kept Portlaoise at arms length and they were indeed dangerous on the counter.

Portlaoise 3

Drumbar 1

On 24 minutes, keelin moore found space to rasper a shot but the Drumbar was good for it. On her kickout though, the ball  was to low and hit Leah Brennan who took one touch before chipping the out of position keeper. 0-1 to Portlaoise.  A drumbar corner saw keeper Doireann Brennan make an incredible save.... testament to her development. The work ethic deserved the goal. Aoibheann Bourke was busy in center mid and Sally Morgan began to influence the game more. Niamh Dundon, Emily Flynn and Holly Murphy, solid as you could wish them to be. Maisie Kerry now on for Moore. A free kick from 25 yards saw Holly Murphy score a beautiful goal. Incredibly well taken. 0-2.

Portlaoise in control on starting the second half. Again Portlaoise pushed for their third goal. Saoirse Carrol Connell now on. Bourke was finding more space and the third Portlaoise goal was saw Maisie Kerry score with a excellent shot right of the 18yard box up and over the Drumbar keeper. She was perhaps out of position again. Lily O Meara arrived on the left wing, industrous as ever.

Drumbar however werent done and Portlaoise energy levels were dropping fast. They scored to make it 1-3.  Fresh legs needed....on came Elizabeth O Conner, Lucy Moran and Anna Keegan. It was exactly what was required. A Drumber resurgence never really prevailed in the end and the girls in green got the job done with a very complete performance. Emma Francis put in a rolls royce of a performance and her partnership with Bourke & Morgan most definitely blossoming. A great win in beautiful Donegal and into the last 16.