Raphoe are always a tough team to beat but this was not going to phase Enniskillen Royal as they had an early start to travel to their first away game of the season.
Raphoe’s pass-back was immediately intercepted and Enniskillen had their first run of the pitch. However, meeting Raphoe’s defence, the ball was won back by Raphoe. The first penalty corner was awarded to Enniskillen which was pushed out by Kirstie Harron to Sarah Murray who was tackled by the Raphoe sweeper, hitting the ball out wide. Soon after, Raphoe were awarded a penalty corner. Enniskillen were on their toes refusing to let in any goals. Unfortunately Fiona Knowles narrowly broke the line and was sent to the half way line. The defence was now down to three and goal keeper, Katie Elliott. Sweeper, Rebekah Walmsley took Knowles’ position as first runner and intercepted the Raphoe strike. The ball was then picked up by Emily Stewart and cleared from the circle.
At halftime a score line of 0-0 proved both teams had everything to gain.
At the start of the second half a ball picked up by Hannah Shaw was run up the right hand side past numerous Raphoe players. Shaw passed the ball to Murray who then crossed it to Harron. Harron ran down the back line and passed the ball in front of the Raphoe goal to Jade McMullan on the left post. McMullan passed the ball into the left of the keeper scoring Enniskillen their first goal. The team were sure not to get big headed and got stuck back in for Raphoe’s pushback. A sideline ball taken by Stewart was dribbled expertly up the right hand side by herself was passed to Harron, who received the ball at the top of the circle and dribbled in towards the goal, flicking the ball over the keepers foot and into the bottom left corner. Enniskillen, now 2-0 up, knew Raphoe were getting unsettled and knew there was going to be a lot of defending. Carmen Evans and Knowles were worked hard on the left to defend and get rid of balls. A ball put out the back line by a Raphoe player was hit out by Evans to Catherine Graham in the centre and passed quickly and skilfully to Leanora Bell on the left. Bell was met by a Raphoe player, though she did not match the player’s height she definitely matched their skill and was able to get past the player and pass the ball back to Graham who hammered the ball up to the left corner to McMullan but unfortunately the ball went wide. With two minutes left Enniskillen were determined to keep their 2-0 lead. A strike taken at the edge of the circle towards Enniskillen’s goal was stopped dead by Knowles who cleared the ball just in the nick of time as the final whistle blew.
Final score 2-0
Enniskillen girls should be delighted with their well deserved win. They are thankful to Raphoe for making it an enjoyable match and want to thank those parents that came to support. It is much appreciated.
