Goals from Anderson and Minihan win title

Knocknacarra 2 Athlone 0

KNOCKNACARRA U-14 girls squad captured the Connacht Division 2 title on Sunday to add to their Division 1 win earlier in the season when they defeated Athlone away on Sunday.

This was a winner take all situation as Knocknacarra trailed Athlone going into their last game of the season by two points, so the three points on offer decided the title.

This win was all the more remarkable as Knocknacarra had dropped five of their first six points in the campaign and, at one stage, trailed Athlone by eight points. However, a run of six wins on the trot saw them just two points behind going into Sunday’s decider,Knocknacarra started the stronger with Sinead Minehan and Becky Anderson ruling the roost in midfield but the Athlone defence held out well in those early stages.

Midway through the first half Athlone came very much into the game, but a strong defence led by Lisa Riordan and Lillian Matthews, and backed up superbly by Mairead Divilly and Ailish O’Donnell, dealt comfortably with everything thrown at them.

Becky Anderson, in her first season with the club, then set Knocknacarra on their way with a terrific individual goal, smashing the ball to the net from just inside the circle at a crucial time just before the break.

In an exciting second half, Knocknacarra were the slightly sharper side with fine performances from Kate Hennessy, Rebecca Gilligan, Megan Forde and Aisling Nolan. Athlone’s fate was sealed midway through the half when capt Sinead Minihan, leading by example, scored a cracking goal to clinch the title.

Athlone fought till the end but couldn’t get past Laoise Fegan in goal who had a fine game throughout. This win brings three of the four Connacht underage League titles to Knocknacarra for 2010.