City boss sees signs of encouragement in loss to Peamount United
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Daire Walsh
Despite being disappointed at coming away empty handed from the contest, Cork City manager Frank Kelleher believes there were a number of encouraging signs from his team’s opening day defeat to Peamount United in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division last Saturday.
Courtesy of early goals from Ellen Dolan and Rebecca Watkins, Peamount secured a 2-0 victory against the Leesiders at Greenogue Park.
Yet following a difficult start to the action, City gradually grew into the game and created a number of scoring opportunities.
However, former City goalkeeper Amanda Budden was in fine form for the hosts and the visitors ultimately couldn’t force their way back into contention.
The Cork native’s point blank save from Ciara McNamara just past the half-hour mark was particularly eye-catching, but even though a goal eluded them on the day, Kelleher was able to glean a number of positives from their trip to Newcastle.
“If I’m very honest, disappointed. I think after 15 minutes we settled into the game, we restricted them to a few chances. I thought we matched them in every department, except for Amanda Budden.
“She’s a top keeper and she made three absolutely brilliant saves. If you get back in 2-1, it’s a different game,” Kelleher remarked after Saturday’s game.
“That’s our mentality this year, to fight to the bitter end. That’s what we did. I think the girls gave absolutely everything and it’s first game of the season.
“It’s a long season ahead, but what I saw today, I’m hugely encouraged with because there’s definitely spirit.
“There’s definitely hard work and there is definitely intensity in this group. I think that’s the important thing for me going forward with this team.”
Saturday’s game was a significant one for Kelleher as it was the first competitive outing of his second stint in charge of the Cork City women’s team.
During his original spell at the helm – 2015 to 2018 – he guided the club to an historic triumph in the 2017 Women’s FAI Cup final.
Although the playing personnel has changed significantly in the intervening years, Ciara McNamara and Christina Dring remain in the City set-up after featuring against DLR Waves in that showpiece decider.
There are others who have broken through in more recent times to become established starters in this Cork side and Kelleher hailed one such player after she reached a major milestone last Saturday.
“Ciara McNamara has over 200 appearances with this club, Christina Dring has over 100 appearances.
“Eva Mangan made her 100th appearance today with us. We congratulate her. She’s a top quality footballer.
“She’s in the Irish senior set-up, so she’s a very important player for us,” Kelleher added.