Glens’ barnstorming start to the new season continued tonight at the Bluebell Stadium as the team started their campaign to win the Toals County Antrim Cup for the fourth consecutive season. A hat trick from Joely Andrews, two from Caragh Hamilton and one each from Emma McMaster and Sam Kelly comfortably saw the team through.
There were six changes from the league win over Mid Ulster with Ashleigh McKinnon, Rachel Rogan, Sam Kelly, Jenna McKearney and Sarah Tweedie all given the opportunity to impress and Rachel McIntyre given her first start after promotion from the U19 squad.
Skipper for the evening Andrews headed the visitors ahead in the seventh minute, followed on 21 minutes by defender Emma McMaster scoring her first of the season from a clever corner. A three-goal half time lead was secured by Sam Kelly, the Northern Ireland midfielder scoring her second of the season following her welcome return from the long-term injury that kept her out of the Euros last season.
Caragh Hamilton – another back after missing much of last season made the game completely safe with a converted penalty just after the break, followed by a diving header at the back post. Joely Andrews then rose like a salmon to score the Glens second before completing her hat trick with nine minutes left.
So a comprehensive victory and a path into the next round secured, Finally, congratulations to Rebecca Magee on her first team debut as an 81st minute sub for Emma McMaster. First of many for both Rebecca and Rachel.
Photography by Johnny Caldwell
Glentoran Women: Ashleigh McKinnon, Sarah Tweedie, Jenna McKearney, Emma McMaster, Demi Vance, Chloe McCarron, Sam Kelly, Joely Andrews (c), Rachel McIntyre, Caragh Hamilton, Rachel Rogan
Subs: Annie Timoney, Jess Foy (for Kelly 63), Nadene Caldwell, (for McIntyre 63), Megan Neill, Kerry Beattie (for McKearney 75), Emily Wilson (for Rogan 75), Rebecca Magee (for McMaster81).
