First game of the season, and the girls showed up ready to play football — and that’s exactly what they did!

Utilising the speed on our wings with Aoife Eakins and Jessica Hogan, we played wide to stretch the pitch. We made the crosses, but a well-drilled St Mary’s back line did a great job of cutting out any chances.

Sadbh Stenhouse did Trojan work in centre midfield, feeding Skyler Hornibrook whenever possible. Skyler made a brilliant run forward but was taken down just outside the box. The referee let play continue, and Sadbh chased the ball back.

Our back line of Helena Wachowska and Sereen Mohammed moved the ball with power, keeping the St Mary’s forwards from playing through. Shakthi Sathishkumar swept away anything that got beyond them.

Katie O’Keeffe stepped up to make some very decisive challenges and closed down any loose balls.

Fifteen minutes in, after a through ball from Aoife, Skyler was brought down in the box again. This time, the referee pointed to the spot.

Skyler stepped up to take the penalty but, unfortunately, shot just over the bar.

A newfound energy took over, and we held the rest of the half very much in the middle of the pitch.

A ball up the wing from Jessica Hogan found the feet of Demi O’Riordan, who beat her defender to get a shot on goal.

The introduction of Emily O’Leary added fresh legs for the remainder of the first half. She made impressive runs down the right wing and worked hard to get back when needed.

All level at half-time.

Second half

Much of the same, with lots of play in the centre of the pitch. Emily O’Leary continued to push the ball up the pitch to Wiktoria Domanski, who made some fantastic runs.

Amy Howey and Inez Czerniawska came on to change up the back line and made solid clearances on either side.

Cara Morrissey played up the wing with pace and got a shot away on goal, but it was well saved.

All in all, everyone played their hearts out and gave 100% effort. Very proud of all the girls for taking a point in their very first fixture of the season.

A fantastic team performance! ⚽💚