Ballymackey Ladies edge high class encounter

Ballymackey had a hard fought 2-1 win at home to Killeigh in the Combined Counties Football League Women's Division on Sunday.

In a clash between last seasons League and Cup winners, the weather and pitch conditions were perfect for football and Ballymackey were well on top of their game from the off playing the game in the Killeigh half.

The Offaly side defended well in the final third, limiting Ballymackey to half chances on goal and they were dangerous on the counter attack with quality players in attack. Ballymackey’s best chances in the half came from set-plays, going close on a couple of occasions from some of the eight corners and a Aoibhín Delaney free kick went just over the bar after Karen Hogan was brought down right on the 18-yard line.

Ballymackey were made pay for not capitalising on their dominance when Killeigh took the lead on forty minutes with a well-worked break-out goal.

The home side had quality players to introduce from the bench to bring fresh energy during the second half and this made all the difference. Ballymackey equalised when Lisa Toohey smashed to ball to the net on the volley from a Kate Cavanagh free kick. Ballymackey took the lead with seventeen minutes remaining Amber DeLewis received the ball in the box and sublime footwork saw her change direction catching out a defender who brought her down conceding a penalty. Christine O’Keefe made no mistake from the spot and Ballymackey took the lead.

Ballymackey had a couple of chances to push clear with Amber DeLewis and Hazel Cawley going close. However, the narrow lead remained to the end with the Ballymackey defence having to work hard to see the game out for the win.

It was a great win for Ballymackey in a high quality game with both sides playing super football and maintaining a high intensity throughout.

Lisa Toohey was to the fore all through providing defensive cover to her back line.

Amber DeLewis produced a top class display operating deeper than usual in midfield and the player of the match was Kate Cavanagh who really took a hold of the game in midfield on her introduction on fifty minutes.