A high intensity fixture in which the Lakewood squad showed real character, coming from behind to see off a strong Hollyhill outfit.
Niamh O’Donoghue put Lakewood ahead after 25 minutes with a switch ball from Claire Nevin in centre mid. Hollyhill responded with 3 goals in 8 minutes to really rattle the home team and looked to be cruising ahead 1-3 to half time. Lakewood responded through Eimear Kiely who narrowed the defect netting a free kick from just outside the box. Megan Sheehan pulled Lakewood back into the game on the 44th minute with a sweet curling shot from outside the box. Half time 3-3.
The start of the second half was a crucial period and it was stalemate for 25 minutes with both teams creating chances that could have edged them ahead. It was Daire Kiely on the 70th minute that that gave Lakewood the lead and Megan Sheehan added her second 5 minutes later to give a 2 goal cushion. It was a fixture that continued to entertain for the spectators with Hollyhill awarded a penalty on the 85th minute. Lakewood keeper Lauryn Murphy saved the initial shot but the rebound floated nicely for the Hollyhill striker to volley to the net to bring the game back to a 1 goal difference, 5-4 to Lakewood.
Determined not to be caught with a similar late goal that denied all 3 points in the away fixture a few weeks ago, Lakewood again pressed with Niamh O’Donoghue on a mazey dribbling run. Her initial and subsequent shot both amazingly hit the post, the second rebound fell to Claire Nevin who was just left of the penalty spot and she make no mistake in slotting it to restore the 2 goal lead and to ensure Lakewood held on for the victory.
Fantastic game of ball from both teams who gave it their all.
Lakewood Athletic U18:
Lauryn Murphy (captain), Ellen Sheridan, Jess Sheehan, Amy Lynch, Heather Kennedy, Ciara Lee, Eimear Kiely, Christine Coffee, Claire Nevin, Laura Repczuk, Niamh O’Donoghue, Megan Sheehan, Jessie Morley, Kelly Buckley, Daire Kiely
