Mullingar Athletic U12 Swans prevail in Dublin
Mullingar Athletic AFC notes
Our 12s Swans travelled to Artane in Dublin on Sunday to face Killester Donnycarney in the last 16 of the SFAI Trophy.
It was a beautiful sunny day for a game of football and this talented group of girls once again put on a wonderful display for their strong travelling supporters. Killester played with a strong wind in the first half and created a few chances but the girls responded with some good counter attacking football. The first half was a nervy affair and both sides defences held firm which saw the 1st half ending 0-0.
As they say, "it's a game of two halves", and the Swans came flying out of the traps. The Swans tipped off the second half and Éirinn M took on the Killester defence and finished her run with her trade mark left footed strike across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner. The goal settled any nerves the girls had and they pushed on with some fantastic attacking play.
The girls got their rewards with two more goals from Eva B and Mia Mc. Killester replied by putting our defence under pressure and the girls conceded a penalty. The Killester striker stepped up and hit a well struck shot but Ciara who was solid between the posts got a strong hand and pushed the ball over the bar.
Swans got a huge lift from this and grew in confidence. Ava M attacked the Killester defence down the right side of midfield, played a one two with Ella B and scored the opening goal of the game. Ava M flicked the ball up for herself and hit the ball on the half volley and lobbed the 'keeper from outside the box. Mia Mc finished the game with a well struck shot into the corner of the net to complete a great win for the Mullingar girls.
The Swans defence of Ciara in goals, Leah, Olivia, Alison, Weronika and Sophie have to get credit for coming away with a clean sheet.
A big thank you to Killester for hosting us and wish you all the best with the rest of your season. Thank you also to the Referee and of course our committed travelling supporters.
Team: Ciara, Olivia, Sophie, Leah, Weronika, Alison, Ava, Eva S, Eva B (c), Éirinn, Mia, Emily, Ella B.
U16 Swans side denied
SFAI Cup U16: Gleneely Colts FC v Mullingar Athletic SWANS
The U16 Swans suffered Valentine's Day heartbreak as their run in the SFAI Cup ended in the Round of 16 in Gleneely, Donegal, losing to a 1-0 scoreline to the Colts.
In a very even contest with few chances, it was Gleneely who created the first goal scoring opportunity as the Colts striker found herself in space 12 yards out only for Elizabeth to repel her effort with an excellent save. However, on 34 mins Gleneely Colts made the all important breakthrough when a free kick from 40 yards took a deflection and looped over the Swans defence and the Colts centre back reacted quickest to prod home.
The Swans gave it their all in the second half but in truth neither side created any clear cut chances, with both defences on top on a heavy pitch which made passing very difficult. We wish the girls and coaches of Gleneely, who were sporting throughout, every success in the next round. And thank everyone from Gleneely Colts FC and their supporters for the excellent hospitality and creating such a good atmosphere at the match. Also thanks to our friends in Finn Harps for allowing us use their facilities on the long journey north.
Match day squad: Elizabeth, Alice, Kaila, Orla, Laurie, Florence, Ava, Keela, Moya (c), Isabelle, Asha, Sarah, Suzi, Emily, Katie, Eile, Lucy.