Dromintee 4-11 Killeavy 3-02
Killeavy ladies faced local rivals Dromintee on Saturday night in the Junior Championship in Mullaghbawn. It was a very pleasant, sunny evening with a slight breeze helping Dromintee in the first half. Dromintee started much the stronger and Killeavy defence was under intense pressure throughout the half. The fullback line played well with Carmel Mallon having a great hour, while Aisling Byrne tried hard throughout. Nicola Cromie switched from goalkeeper to cornerback, with Cora-Ann Trainor going into goals, and this helped Killeavy's rearguard action. Killeavy had a point disallowed, following a long free from Aileen Matthews, while Joanne Shields had a long range effort drop just wide.A goal before the break from Dromintee saw them lead by 1-6 to no score at the break.
Half-Time:Dromintee 1-06 Killeavy 0-00
Killeavy started the second half in really superb fashion. They showed great heart to come out and bring the game to Dromintee. Star player Aileen Matthews, fresh from Armagh's great Ulster victory in Clones last week really turned on an exhilarating show. Despite the failure of the referee to protect her from persistent fouling, she went on to open Killeavy's account with a fine solo goal, cutting in from the right wing to fire into the top corner of the net. She quickly followed this up with a long range free. From the kickout, Marianne Watters took a superb ball in midfield to feed Aileen again, who ripped through the Dromintee defence and place a great shot to the corner of the net. Amazingly, having been well outplayed, Killeavy were only three behind and pressing hard. However Dromintee responded well and got some breathing space with a fine goal. Killeavy responded again with Sinead Reel brilliantly blocking down a Dromintee clearance to win a penalty. Aileen Matthews stepped up to slot the ball into the corner for her hat trick.After a really competitive twenty minutes, Killeavy's challenge faded and Dromintee registered two late goals to deservedly take the honours. Killeavy were missing a few players but the girls can be proud of their efforts in the match. They all tried hard with Nicola Cromie, Carmel Mallon, Ashlene Byrne, Fionnuala Reel, Joanne Shields and Aileen Matthews the pick of the performers.