CORN FINTAN WALSH
Naithi fight hard but Emily double helps Hollypark
HOLLYPARK GNS………………………………2-2
SCOIL NAITHI……………………………………0-0
Daire Walsh
HOLLYPARK GNS dug deep on Tuesday to claim Corn Fintan Walsh honours at the expense of Scoil Naithi in a low-scoring final encounter.
Inside forward Emily Blake was a lively presence throughout for Hollypark and her brace of goals – which arrived in either half – went a long way towards ensuring that the Foxrock side came out on top in the end. Midfielder Aoibhinn Gallagher produced an influential performance and in spite of Blake’s scoring heroics, this was very much a team effort from the victors.
It wasn’t to be for Naithi on the day, but the experience of lining out in Jones’ Road will undoubtedly stand to the Ballinteer outfit as they push forward in the future months and years.
Defenders were largely on top during the early exchanges, with Aislinn Murray and Eadaoin McClean making strong contributions for Hollypark.
Team captain Clara Ni Shuilleabhain and Sadhbh Ni Chorbain were leading by example for Naithi, but it was their opponents who ultimately broke the deadlock in the game.
Off a goalmouth scramble, Blake supplied the finishing touches for a third-minute Hollypark goal. A further 12 minutes passed before the next score of the tie, but it was the leaders who added to their tally with a Cara Keane free.
Although Naithi did have opportunities to reduce their deficit – including a ’45’ effort from Ellie Nic Uaiteir – they trailed 1-1 to 0-0 at the midway stage in the action.
Hollypark weren’t in a position to rest on their laurels just yet, but with McClean sweeping up possession on a constant basis, they were able to establish an attacking platform at the far end of the pitch.
Gallagher was also coming into her own and Blake was unfortunate not to secure a second goal in the 28th-minute.
Naithi custodian Eimear Ni Chuillin was able to thwart the Hollypark sharpshooter on that occasion, before eventually being beaten for a second time on 32 minutes. Following a block on Izzy Craig’s initial strike on goal, Blake was quick to react and pull home beyond the reach of Ni Chuillin.
This offered Hollypark additional leeway and a second point from Keane edged them a step closer to the top prize. Claire Pegum did hit the side-netting with a late effort on goal, but it couldn’t take the gloss off an impressive victory for Hollypark GNS.
SCORERS – Hollypark GNS: E Blake 2-0, C Keane 0-2.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Aoibhinn Gallagher (Hollypark GNS).