Mullingar Athletic 2
MAFC 3
Monasterevin AFC Womens Team played Mullingar Athletic in the superb facilities, brand new 4G pitch at Gainstown Mullingar last night in the Leinster Football Association (LFA) Shield. The MAFC team started on the back foot with Mullingar playing some lovely football however the home team were unable to break down the back line of Bernie Hyland, Eimear Devoy, Ciara Morrissey & Bryana Abbey in the early stages. When they did GK Alex Kinsella Ogilsby was quick off her line to clean up. Mullingar broke the deadlock on the half hour mark from a well taken free kick just outside the box. Mullingar had further shots on goal that could have put the game to bed, but some wayward shooting by the home team and a great stop by Alex in the MAFC goal kept MAFC in the match. The girls in green while under pressure for large periods were dangerous on the break. Roisin Keogh and Brianne Kaye were causing the home team problems out wide. The equaliser came from these 2 players with Keogh making a great run down the left wing, hitting the near post with a shot with Brianne Kaye following in at the back post, quickest to react to hit the net to make it 1-1. The HT whistle came shortly after, so all square at half time. Mullingar started strongly again in the second period and were somewhat fortuitous to score in the 3rd minute of the second period, when a shot deflected into the net giving the MAFC keeper no chance. The MAFC girls despite not playing since November kept going with Nicole Moran, Abby Kemmy, Rebecca Broughan and Eimear Devoy having moved to the midfield position, worked their socks off. Mullingar had 2 great chances in front of goal but were both well saved by Alex in goals, Alex was super throughout the match. At 2-1 down MAFC played their best football in the game with our midfield getting on top. Abby Kemmy moved wide left with Roisin Keogh moving up front with Amy Heffernan. MAFC with a sustained bit of pressure on the home team were on top forcing a number of corners. The equaliser came during this period of being on top, with a great through ball from Nicole Moran where Roisin Keoghs pace broke through the Mullingar defence and while under pressure from 2 defenders slotted home to equalise. 15minutes later the away team got the lead with Keogh turning provider this time setting up Abby Kemmy who broke through the Mullingar defence and hit the net, a great finish. There were ten minutes left in the match and the home team threw everything at MAFC, with the final 5 minutes of extra injury time lasting an entirety. The experience of the KDFL team stood to them in this period and the leadership of Bernie Hyland and Mairead Scully at the back was key during this period. The final whistle came with MAFC with the win. Superb performance from the 12 MAFC girls against a very good Mullingar Athletic team. The girls now progress to the last 16 in this Leinster Club Competition.
