Sunday sees the replay of Carrickcruppen and Clann Eireann as the pair collide for the ladies championship crown.
Clann Eireann had one hand on the trophy last weekend, but Cruppen’s never say die attitude forced a replay.
With time almost up, the Camlough ladies trailed by three and it looked like the game had fallen away from them.
But a penalty kick offered them a lifeline. Caroline O’Hanlon stepped up and confidently blasted the ball to the back of the net.
Clann Eireann were the better team on display for large chunks of the game. However, that wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard.
Three was the difference at the half time interval with Carrickcruppen ahead thanks to a Megan Cinnamond goal. 1-3 to 0-3 at the break.
Cruppen drifted bodies back behind the ball and frustrated the Lurgan side, who’s accuracy in front of the posts will have to improve.
Clann Eireann did eventually find some form in front of the posts and pulled away into a three-point lead. But O’Hanlon’s three pointer tied the game up again.
Attacking threats
Sarah McCausland and Megan Cinnamond caused some problems for the Clann Eireann defence when the ball was moved quickly into the forward line.
Likewise at the other end of the pitch James Daly’s side have some top-class quality. Niamh Henderson is a great playmaker while Niamh Murray and Niamh Coleman are dangerous inside.
Tiarna Grimes had a great game last weekend as well and chipped in with four points while Dearbhla Coleman was also impressive.
Clodagh McCambridge is likely to line up beside O’Hanlon was again in a match up that could decide the contest.
Clann Eireann will once again be heavily fancied, but the underdogs will be buoyed by their display last weekend.
If Carrickcruppen can apply the same pressure at the back and add a bit more punch up front they’ll have a great chance.
But Clann Eireann haven’t been beaten all season. They’ll have soaked up the lessons from last week and aim to right those wrongs.
