Midlands Cup Final joy for Killeigh girls as they seal terrific treble with superb win

Killeigh schoolgirls sealed a remarkable treble on Saturday in Kilcormac with a hard fought win over Hodson Bay Celtic in testing conditions. 

MSL U14 Cup Final

Killeigh 2
Hodson Bay Celtic 1

The final saw league winners Killeigh face off against runners-up, Hodson Bay Celtic and the game was always going to be a tight one. Killeigh enjoyed a 100 per cent record in sealing their league title, but apart from defeats to Killeigh, Hodson Bay Celtic had also beaten every other side in the midlands. 

The win on Saturday at Frankford FC saw Killeigh add the MSL Cup to their MSL League and South Leinster titles. 

With heavy rain making conditions difficult for both sides, Killeigh got off to a dream start within the first five minutes when a clever pass from Emma Mooney released Blathnaid Lynch down the right wing. Her cross was met first-time by Niamh Power who shot left-footed  to the roof of the net to put her side in front. 

However, Hodson Bay were not behind for long and a clearance to the lively Caoilfhinn Brett saw her race beyond the Killieigh defence and shoot to the net. Ellen Gorman was desperately close to saving the shot, managing to get her hand to it, but she was unable to turn the shot past the post. 

Killeigh were undeterred and they regained the lead within minutes as Niamh Power turned provider when she made a clever switch of play and a delightful through ball to the on-rushing Blathnaid Lynch. With the goalie advancing, Lynch shot first time across goal to the bottom corner for an excellent finish. 

Killeigh began to control things after that but were grateful to see a chance eventually cleared when it looked like Hodson Bay Celtic might equalise as the game edged towards half-time. 

The second half saw Killeigh control things more with Emma Mooney hitting the post and also seeing a free-kick dip just over the crossbar. 

With heavy rain causing the pitch to get very muddy, it was not a game conducive to Killeigh’s skills and attacking play. However, they managed to dig the result out and come up with another memorable win. 

In goals, Ellen Gorman proved her dependable self throughout the game. The Killeigh defence was typically sound, despite the attacking threat of Hodson Bay Celtic, with Louise Doyle tackling well and Niamh Coughlan providing some excellent cover and clearances. Mikel O’Meara and Abbie Mullan proved dependable throughout. 

Alison Judge again controlled things well in midfield. Emma Mooney went on some typical runs, despite some heavy tackles throughout the game and was unlucky not to score at least one. Maddie McDonnell won a lot of ball and worked very hard, while Isabel Mooney used the ball well when introduced. 

Up front, Niamh Power and Blathnaid Lynch were exellent throughout, both coming up with a goal and an assist. Leah Stack also provided some great moments, despite being heavily marked while Cadhla Barrett provided a very good outlet when introduced. 

Killeigh: Ellen Gorman, Mikel O’Meara, Niamh Coughlan, Louise Doyle, Abbie Mullan, Alison Judge, Emma Mooney, Maddie McDonnell, Blathnaid Lynch, Leah Stack, Niamh Power, Isabel Mooney, Cadhla Barrett, Meabh O’Rourke, Katie Payne, Ava Flanagan, Ailish Walsh, Clodagh Rigney.