Simonstown cruise to U-11 Final

MEATH LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS 

Under 11 Championship Semi Final Simonstown v Donaghmore-Ashbourne
Simonstown, 18th November 2007 at 12.45

Half Time Score: Simonstown 3-02 Don-Ashbourne 0-01

Full Time Score: Simonstown 7-07 Don-Ashbourne 1-02

Simonstown cruised into the inaugural U-11 Championship Final at
the expense of a talented Donaghmore-Ashbourne side in the semi-final
of the championship on Sunday in Simonstown. The game began brightly
and entertained the many parents who had turned out to watch the
game. Simonstown had previously beaten Donaghmore Ashbourne in the
round robin of the league but todays game was certainly a tougher
contest, but the Simonstown showed their determination to getting
into their first ever final. Simonstown raced into an early lead
courtesy of two early goals from Kelly Marie Harris. Further scores
by Eleanor Lane left the scores 3-02 to 0-01 at half time.

On the resumption, the Ashbourne girls raised their game but Simonstown
were every bit as good with Chloe Keoghan, Nichola Cross and Regina
Hand holding firm in defence. Simonstown’s midfielders were strong
and having already represented their county this year, Niamh Sheridan
and Eleanor Lane always had the upper hand. The Simonstown forwards
however were in a class of their own as they continued on their
scoring spree in the second half. Naoise de Graffe opened the second
half with a fine point from close range and throughout the second
half should have had a lot more were it not for the crossbar and
the uprights! Aoife Keely and Regina Hand contributed a goal each
while Niamh Sheridan and Kelly Marie Harris both pointed. A superbly
taken free by Eleanor Lane resulted in a point from just inside
the 45’ line. Two late goals by Rachel Gardiner and de Graffe ensured
the girls their place in the final.

Best for Simonstown were Chloe Keoghan, Eleanor Lane, Kelsie Nesbitt and Kelly Marie Harris. They now take on the only team to have beaten them, Dunboyne in the final next weekend, in what promises to be a cracking encounter!  Simonstown Team and Scorers: N. Byrne, R. Hand (1-0), C. Keoghan, K. Tolan, N. Cross, A. Keely (1-0), N. Sheridan (0-1), E. Lane (1-3), K. Nesbitt, K.M. Harris (2-1), R. Gardiner (1-0), N. de Graffe (1-2). Ref: N. Foran.