Belcoo Senior Ladies returned to winning ways following last weeks narrow defeat to Derrygonnelly, they dusted themselves down to secure a 7-11 to 1-6 victory against an under strength Newtownbutler side at MacNean Park on Sunday morning.
The game was slow to ignite but as following Sinead Barrett’s second minute point, it took 6minutes to record the games next score, in this time the O’Rahilly’s who were on top, failed to convert some decent opportunities. The home side hit an 8th minute goal from Elaine Maguire after great work from sister Stephanie in the middle third. Elaine Maguire and Katie Chapman traded frees before a second Belcoo goal, Ciara Parker thumping the ball to the net after taking a clever pass from the strong running Sam Martin. 2-2 to 0-1 by the first water break.
The first score of the second quarter was another Belcoo goal, an excellent piece of defending from Cara Gray won possession back, she found Crona Higgins who’s long ball down field was gathered by Sam Martin, Martin powered 30yards through the middle for a great goal on the weaker left foot. Stephanie Maguire and Ciara Parker combined to find Elaine Maguire for a point while Belcoo goalkeeper Riona Keaney was forced into a great save from Newtown’s Laoise O’Keefe after a shot had hit the upright.
Belcoo’s fourth point of the day was via Eimear Higgins after good work by Cara Gray and Elaine Maguire in the build-up. Cara Gray then kicked a fine point after getting involved down the right side on a few occasions with Stephanie & Elaine Maguire. Some patient play and a Crossfield ball found Sinead Barrett with time and space to split the posts on 28minutes, Belcoo 3-6 to 0-1 ahead.
Caoímhe Conlon mustered Newtown’s first point in some 17minutes coming to half time. Noelle Connolly hit another but a fourth Belcoo goal with the final attack of the half seen them hold a 15point interval lead. Elaine Maguire with a soccer style finish.
The opening attack of the second half seen midfielder Cara Gray drive down the left wing for a great point from an acute angle, Newtown answered with one themselves via a substitute, but a slick Belcoo attack, Sinead Barrett, Eimear Higgins, Eve Barrett and Michelle Cullen all involved with the latter firing to the net.
Wing Back Stephanie Maguire who was a standout performer on the day, got her name on the scoresheet, initially she’d taken the kickout on the right from Riona Keaney, Kelly Connolly had supplied support as they one-two’s their way upfield, Elaine Maguire then took up the ball and fed Stephanie who’d continued her run, she made no mistake splitting the posts from just inside the ‘D’.
Aisling Quinn landed a fine point for the visitors who then registered a goal via Caoímhe Conlon but within 30seconds Belcoo had a sixth goal of their ownr. Sinead Barrett and Ciara Parker working upfield before slipping Eimear Higgins in to fire a well taken goal under pressure from two defenders.
The visitors wouldn’t score in the closing quarter while the O’Rahilly’s continued to add to their tally. Substitutes Scarlett O’Connor and Mikayla Maguire kicked points while another Substitute Eve Barrett rattled the net having driven forward following a quickly taken Eimear Higgins free. Amy Hynes went close for goal but Aine McBrien made a good save in the Newtown goals while Sinead Barrett also pointed before the end.
For the winners who’d 11 different scorers on the day, Stephanie Maguire, Cara Gray and Leona McNulty had solid showings over the hour with Aisling Quinn, Noelle Connolly and Maria Maguire taking the game to the hosts throughout for the beaten side. Belcoo host Aghadrumsee next Sunday at 10am.
Team (13 a side) Riona Keaney, Kelly Connolly, Crona Higgins, Stephanie Maguire (0-1), Leona McNulty, Arlene Furey, Sinead Barrett (0-3), Cara Gray (0-2), Sam Martin (1-0), Michelle Cullen (1-0), Eimear Higgins (1-1), Elaine Maguire (2-2), Ciara Parker (1-0). Subs Used : Eve Barrett (1-0), Rhianne McGuinness, Eimear Gray, Scarlett O’Connor (0-1), Amy Hynes, Mikayla Maguire (0-1), Siofra McAloon, Ciara McGuinness.
