Coláiste Phobal, Ros Cré
On Thursday, January 27, Coláiste Phobal Roscrea hosted a blitz in order to facilitate a number of league games being played. We welcomed three schools for the blitz; St Brendan's CS Birr, Scoil Chríost Rí Portlaoise and Coláiste na Sionna Banagher.
Our first game got underway at 11am and St Brendan's CS Birr were our opponents. We hit the ground running in this game and thanks to two well taken early goals, from Khya Lynch and Kelsey Wing, we put ourselves in a commanding position.
We followed this with a further two goals, from Ceola Bergin and Kelsey Wing again, before the half time whistle to leave us leading 4-0 at the break. In the second half our opponents found their feet and adopted a more defensive approach and made themselves very difficult to break down.
Credit must go to St.Brendan’s goalkeeper who made some excellent saves, especially in the second half. However, our girls worked hard and kept the ball moving until an opportunity fell to Jessica Kelly, who calmly slotted the ball in the back of the net. Final score 5-0 win for CPR.
Our second game saw us face Coláiste na Sionna Banagher. The intensity of this game was higher, and it was clear the girls were not going to have it all their own way. We created several early chances but could not hit the target. As we settled into the game and got our passing game going, we started to assert our dominance, maintaining possession for long periods.
Our pressure on the Banagher goal was relentless, and despite creating multiple guilt edge chances we could not hit the net. We had efforts hit the post, the crossbar and multiple saves by the goalkeeper. Despite our dominance, we could easily have conceded just before the break following a well struck free kick, but a combination of Ellie Feehan and Mollie Dooley dealt with the danger. All in attendance we beginning to think the game was destined for a scoreless draw. Half Time 0-0.
The girls attacked the second half with conviction, and we broke the deadlock quickly. A stunning strike from Ceola Bergin hit the underside of the crossbar and then the back of the net. This gave the girls just the boost they needed, and Kelsey Wing followed up with another goal soon after. Not to be outdone on the goal scoring front, Ceola bagged two more goals to complete a second half hat-trick. Final Score 4-0 win for CPR.
Although the plaudits often go to the goal scorers, they would not have the freedom to attack without the hard work, assistance, and creativity of the players around them. Notable mentions to Abi Vozza and Nicole Brooks who were dominant in the middle of the pitch and Lucy Lee and Khya Lynch on the wings.
Leanne Doherty, Ellie Feehan, Aoife Dillon and Sheoladh Cunningham Dynan were rock solid in defence all day and dealt with all danger coolly and calmly. This meant that Mollie Dooley had a relatively quite day in goals, with very few shots to save.
The substitutes who came on at various stages, often playing out of their preferred position, played a vital role on the day. Jessica Kelly, Laura Hogan, Ella Carey, Grace Mulrooney, Kayleigh Guidera and Caragh Harnett all done themselves and the school proud.
Finally, a word of thanks to Killavilla AFC for the use of their fantastic facilities for the day.
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