Greystones Girls Prove Themselves Pitch Perfect

You know when you’re so very, very happy, that your feet just leave the ground…?

Well, that’s how it was for each of Greystones U14 teams today, competing in the end-of-season MGL Finals Day.

Taking place at the Oscar Traynor Centre in Santry, Greystones United U14 (P) managed to beat Shankill 3-2 for the Molly O’Toole Cup, whilst the U14 (A) were up against Clonee Utd for the Carlton Hotels Cup, and won 2-1.

The former victory came courtesy of Maria Reynolds and Faye Evans (who hit the back of the net twice), the second, Christina Vicens and Hannah O’Connor.

In truth, of course, victories are all about the entire team, so, big congratulations to, for Greystones United U14 (P), Molly Crowe, Louise Byrne, Ava McKeichnie, Sarah Keane, Caitlin Lynch, Mila Splendori, Sophie Madden, Ruby Dowd, Faye Evans, Taylor Brandon, Maria Reynolds, Jayne Merrin, Amy Ryan, Annika Henry and Karishma Prause. For Greystones United U14 (A), the heroes are Katie Ivory, Robyn O’Brien, Sarah Webb, Hannah Bissell, Erin Lloyd, Anna Cochrane, Kimi Cruz, Zara Evans, Molly Redmond, Abby Maguire, Cristina Vicens, Faith Brook, Hannah O’Connor, Caoimhe Lawrence and Silvia Vicens.

Here’s the full report from manager Damien Ivory…

Shankill started strong and for the first 15 mins our defensive display needed to be fantastic.
Having weathered the storm, Greystones started to get on top & the pressure finally paid off when Maria Reynolds played a lovely through ball to Faye Evans who made no mistake to give us a half-time lead.
Straight after the break, Maria won the ball in midfield, drove forward and lobbed the keeper for number 2.
Shankill came back at us and got a break when, from a corner, the ball ricocheted off one of our girls and into the net.
The girls could have been shaken but they pushed on and, with 15 mins left, Faye scored her 2nd to make it 3-1.
With 2 minutes remaining, Shankill hit a superb free kick to give themselves a chance but our girls held firm to take the cup 3-2.

Clonee Utd came into the final in confident form having finished runners up in the league and had also beaten Greystones twice this season. But the Greystones team were unfazed setting out strongly from the opening whistle. In front of a large number of supporters Greystones took the game to Clonee, the Clonee keeper making a couple of good saves early on. However as the half wore on Clonee started to dominate possession and the Greystones defence and goal keeper had to work hard to keep them from scoring. Greystones slick passing and quick counter attacking remained a threat and led to a couple of free kicks just outside the Clonee area, the second of which was blasted into the roof of the net by Cristina Vicens. Shortly before halftime a Clonee corner was whipped in to the Greystones area and after some brave goal line defending the rebound was slotted in to make it 1-1. Clonee still had time for one final first half chance with a shot coming off the inside of the post. Only lightning quick reflexes from Faith Brock in Greystones goal to smother the loose ball, prevented Clonee taking the lead. The score remained one all at halftime which is a fair reflection of the first half. Greystones started the second half brightly pushing Clonee back and limiting them to only a few attacking opportunities. 15 mins into the second half Hannah O’Connor who had been impressive all match, took the ball from halfway line down the left wing, cut in on her right foot and slotted the ball into the far corner, giving Greystones a 2-1 lead. For the remaining 20 mins chances were limited with defences dominating. The Greystones supporters played their part with continuous singing and chanting for the final 15 minutes. Faith saved well from one direct free kick while at the other end a blistering run from Katie Ivory ended with a powerful shot rebounding off the post – the last chance in a pulsating Cup Final.
The referee blew the final whistle to huge cheers and celebrations from the supporters and team alike. Thanks to Clonee and their supporters for a riveting match and we look forward to playing them next season.

Congrats again to these remarkable Greystones girls. Here’s to next season…!