Portlaoise unlucky to leave the Bay without a point

Girls Under 12 league

The Portlaoise girls u/12, in their first season, have had some difficult results to swallow but since Christmas, these girls have certainly demonstrated  that they can compete against their more experienced opposition. A 4-2 win at Mountmellick was followed by a 1-2 loss to Abbeyleix and this weekend was another tight affair against Hodson Bay.

Hodson Bay 2

Portlaoise 1

Regular back three Chloe O Loughlin, Faye Fitten and Ava Leonard were all out so it was a makeshift defense with the experienced Abbey Goodwin and Aoife Fitzpatrick at left and right center back while Moya Ramsbottom was called in to cement the defense. Alice Delaney and Aoife Niland took to the wings and were always ready to make the wide runs from the center duo of Abigail O Regan & Millie Keogh. Alisa Ivanov was up front for Portlaoise and linked with the attack-minded Keogh. The visitors certainly asserted themselves on Hodson, whose main threat came from their number 8 & 11.

Juliet Hajdukiewicz, Hayley Umeh, Leana Tynan and Mila Broomfield arrived on after 12 minutes to spice things up and Millie Keogh went close time and time again for Portlaoise. It was a fantastic first half but  on 18 minutes, Moya Ramsbottom's calf niggle meant she had to sit out so Abigail O Regan was moved to center back. 0-0 at half time.

Hodson began strongly in the second and slowly began to push the visitors back. Time and time again however, Portlaoise keeper Grace Malone pulled off save after save. As the talented U/15 keeper Doireann Brennan readies herself to move to Athlone Town next month, Portlaoise are lucky in knowing that they have a future talent on their hands between the posts.

Alice Delaney arrived back on and showed some versitility on the right wing. It was Hodson's number 8 though who was able to find a way to get a goal on the score board. From a tight angle on the edge of the six yard box, she sprinted into position and finished under pressure,  much to the delight of the home team.  Portlaoise were beginning to feel the effects of their first half efforts while their makeshift defense began to tire out.

Hodson's increased pressure on the Portlaoise kick out paid dividence and a minor miskick was played across the box to one of the Hodson forwards who scored to make it 2-0. More changes for Portlaoise with Ramsbottom well enough to finish the last ten minutes but this time up front. Portlaoise gave one last push forward for those remaining minutes. She linked well with Leana Tynan and Hayley Umeh and her rasping shot was incredibly saved by the very talented Hodson keeper.

Her persistance paid off as she scored in the final kick of the game to make the final score 2-1 to Hodson. Hodson's second half was much better and their experience was demonstrated overall. Mila Broomfield and Millie Keogh were excellent throughout the game. Fitzpatrick, O'Regan and Goodwin also worth a mention but keeper Grace Malone took player of the game with a fantastic range of goalkeeping skills and saves. Portlaoise unlucky again this week but an incredible performance considering the absentees. 

POM: Grace Malone