SION SWIFTS PROGRESS TO UK FINAL
SION Swifts proved to be too strong for a plucky Foyle team in the Northern Ireland U14 Tesco Cup Final, winning courtesy of a superb hat-trick from centre forward Lauren Brennan.
Played at Coagh United, the game started with both teams seeming nervous as they appeared to be overawed by the occasion. Foyle managed to settle quickest with their right winger and captain, Loren Smallwoods showing a determination and eagerness with some neat play down the flank which led to an early corner. Sion's defence comprising of Kelly Crompton, Zara O Hagan, Alana McShane and Beth Cregan coped well and from their superb defending the Swifts began to play more fluently and confidently.
In midfield Aoife Curran and Maria Quinn began to dominate play with strong tackling and good use of the ball. With 15 minutes played the village team broke the deadlock when an excellent long ball by Alana McShane caught Foyle's defence napping and Lauren Brennan found herself with just the Foyle keeper Aoife O'Hagan to beat. Brennan showed great composure and slotted the ball wide of O'Hagan to give Sion the lead.
The goal seemed to ignite the Swifts and they pressed to increase their lead with Jessica Moorehead and Eimear Molloy causing problems down the flanks and Courtney McGarrigle and Lauren Brennan working hard up front. Foyle's defence was playing a very high line which proved to be their downfall and under instruction the Swifts players began to play the ball long.
Sion's goalkeeper, Grace Quinn, from a kick-out played a magnificent ball which Lauren Brennan latched onto, sprinted past two defenders and again slotted the ball into the net. Minutes later Lauren notched up her hat-trick when she received a pass from Aoife Curran, swiveled and placed the ball into the corner of the net to give Sion a well deserved 3-0 advantage. Lena Toland and Michaelina McGonagle were introduced and both made an immediate impact. In the best move of the game Beth Cregan slipped the ball into Aoife Curran who played the ball wide to Jessica Moorehead.
Jessica skipped past two defenders and whipped a superb cross into the danger area, where Tolan volleyed it with her left foot only to see her effort whizz over the crossbar. Foyle created a rare chance down the left but Quinn was in goals alert and was quick off her goal line to clear the danger. Towards the end of the half Lauren Brennan had another opportunity but Foyle's keeper O'Hagan saved well.
In the second half Foyle again began strongly in a bid to claw back the deficit. The team formation was changed with Foyle now playing with three forwards and this caused some problems for the Sion team's defence. Foyle's Jessica McGurk broke through and fired a left foot shot goalward bound. Quinn superbly dived to her right and tipped the ball round the upright to leave Sion's lead intact. Again the Swifts defence took control of the game as the central partnership of McShane and O'Hagan began to boss proceedings. Maria Quinn played a ball to the back post which was headed clear by Celine Curtis. The ball however fell to Lena Tolan who controlled and thumped the ball towards goal but Foyle's keeper O'Hagan made another fine save.
Foyle pushed their top goalscorer, Celine Curtis, out left in a last bid to salvage something from the game but the PDQ League's Player of the Season was superbly marshalled by Crompton. With 10 minutes remaining the Swifts then introduced Megan Boggs, Rachel McNally and Chelsea Sheerin who all slotted into their roles very well. To their credit a resilient Foyle team defended exceptionally well in the second half. Courtney McGarrigle had a final scoring opportunity but saw her effort sail wide of the upright.
Final score: Sion Swifts 3 - 0 Foyle Girls
Ambassador of Tesco and former Northern Ireland manager Bryan Hamilton and Irish FA President Raymond Kennedy were in attendance at the final. Speaking after the event Bryan commented: “This was a superb game of football, but league champions Sion Swifts just proved too strong on the day. I would congratulate both teams on a great display and wish Sion the best of luck when they go to represent Northern Ireland in the Tesco Cup National Finals on Sunday 24 May at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton.”
Irish FA President Raymond Kennedy commented: “With the help of Tesco we were able to deliver 11-a-side football at Under 14 level for the first time last year. This final clearly demonstrated the improvement in standards of the teams at this level and I am confident the game will continue to flourish. I would like to thank Coagh United for the use of their fantastic facilities today.”
U14 Tesco Cup Awards
Best Defender - Celine Curtis (Foyle)
Best Midfielder - Aoife Curran (Sion Swifts)
Best Forward - Lauren Brenan (Sion Swifts)
Best Goalkeeper - Aoife O'Hagan (Foyle)
Player of the Tournament - Lauren Brenan (Sion Swifts)
Key Dates
