Glentoran Women entertained Wexford Youths Women at the Blanchflower Stadium in the inaugural match in the Avenir Sports All Ireland Cup. A first half opener from top scorer Kerry Beattie wasn’t enough to give the Glens a win in this pretty even match.
The Glens had a full-strength starting line up with Joely Andrews back after missing Tuesday’s County Antrim Cup defeat through injury.
The hosts took the lead on nineteen minutes. International Caragh Hamilton made a strong run down the right, from where her deep low cross was scrambled over the line by Beattie for her nineteenth goal of the season so far.
The Glens lead lasted for eighteen minutes before Wexford equalised. The goal came when a Glens defender passed ought of defence straight to Wexford forward Ciara Rianna Jarrett who’s blocked shot was forced effort over the line by Ciara Rossiter
In a very even second half there were plenty of chances created at both ends but neither goal was seriously threatened.
Next up for Glentoran Women is a visit to Solitude on Wednesday night to face Cliftonville in the Quarter Final of the League Cup. The next group game in the All-Ireland Cup comes #next Saturday in County Dublin when Peamount United provide the opposition.
Photography by Johnny Caldwell
Glentoran Women: Ellie Scott, Annie Timoney, Jess Foy (c), Emma McMaster, Demi Vance, , Nadene Caldwell, Chloe McCarron, Joely Andrews, Caragh Hamilton, Kerry Beattie, Emily Wilson
Subs: Ashleigh McKinnon, Sarah Tweedie, Kelly Bailie, Kascie Weir (for Beattie 88), Megan Neill, Rachel McIntyre (for Wilson 70), Jenna McKearney
