On a wet and windy day at Madden Park in Kinsale, both sides produced an excellent and competitive game despite the challenging conditions.

 

Kinsale started brightly and enjoyed a strong spell of early possession. However, they struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Carrigtwohill’s stand-in goalkeeper Edel alert throughout—quick off her line and confident in dealing with any danger.

 

Carrigtwohill gradually grew into the game, with Hannah and Lauren taking control in midfield. Up front, Eliza and Sofia looked lively and threatening, and it wasn’t long before the breakthrough arrived—and it was worth the wait. Lauren picked up the ball, skipped past several challenges, and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner to give Carrigtwohill the lead.

 

Carrigtwohill pushed for a second, but Kinsale remained dangerous on the counterattack. Their persistence paid off when a clever through ball split the defence. Despite Edel’s initial intervention, the Kinsale striker reacted quickest to finish and level the game.

 

The equaliser did little to dent Carrigtwohill’s confidence. They quickly regained control, with Phoebe and Lucy working tirelessly on the wings, while Molly and Kalina were rock solid at the back. The second goal came in spectacular fashion—Sofia controlled the ball brilliantly on the edge of the box and, under pressure, fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner to restore Carrigtwohill’s lead.

 

The second half followed a similar pattern. Kinsale again started strongly, but Carrigtwohill grew back into the contest as it progressed. Carrigtwohill continued to create chances, though the Kinsale defence held firm. At the other end, Kinsale remained a threat on the break, but full-backs Emma and Kayla stood up well to the challenge.

 

As conditions worsened and the game neared its conclusion, Carrigtwohill focused on protecting their lead. Allie worked tirelessly, dropping deeper into midfield to support defensively. Late on, Kinsale launched one final attack, but stand-in goalkeeper Lili reacted quickly off her line to clear the danger.

 

Carrigtwohill held on for a well-earned 2–1 victory in an entertaining match played in very difficult conditions, with Molly and Kalina standing out as Carrigtwohill’s best performers on the day for their commanding and composed display in defence.