Ballymackey’s Leah McLoughney skips past the challenge of District of Castletroy’s Annalise Hogan in their previous clash in Ballinree, and will meet there again this evening in the potential title-decider.PHOTO: ODHRAN DUCIE

Ballymackey and Castletroy set-up title decider

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By Gary Culbert

DIVISION 1

BT Harps 1-2 Ballymackey

Ballymackey continued a good run of form with a hard earned 2.1 win away to BT Harps last Wednesday.

With it been prime holiday season, the squad depth of both sides was tested with Ballymackey making several changes from the last outing, but a well-balanced team still took the field.

Hazel Cawley continued her own hot streak in front of goal, giving Ballymackey the lead in the 20th minute with a superb solo effort. The winger carried the ball infield from the right, before turning back on to her right foot and curling a great effort into the top corner from twenty yards out.

BT Harps got themselves on level terms with twenty minutes remaining, Ellen Delaney once again scoring against Ballymackey.

The title chasers responded immediately; straight from the kick-off, Christine O’Keefe timing her run to perfection to get on the end of a fine through ball from Aoibhín Delaney, before finishing with aplomb past the Templemore keeper Caithlyn Treacy restore their lead.

Ballymackey went close to extending their advantage, but Emma Nolan’s effort was thwarted by a great save from Treacy, while Christine O’Keefe shot just over in her attempt to add to her tally for the game.

BT Harps pushed hard for an equaliser, but Ballymackey kept cool heads to hold out for the win. Darra Bourke was a calming presence in goals for Ballymackey with assured handling throughout, whilst Chloe Whyte and Nicole Ryan provided great cover in defence, but all that being said, Ballymackey's player of the match was Thia McCarthy, who covered a huge amount of ground in an all action display.

This win sets up a dramatic final day of the season when Ballymackey host District of Castletroy this Wednesday evening. The Ballinree side need one more point to secure the league title, but District of Castletroy could force a play-off with a win.

DIVISION 2

Shinrone 2-8 Newport Town

Newport Town’s recent improvement saw them defeat Shinrone comprehensively in Offaly. Ailin Rochford netted not one, but two hat-tricks while Emma Ryan and Roisin Power also got in on the action. Aleesha Brewer scored both for Shinrone in reply.

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