MIXED EMOTIONS FOR MANOR HOUSE SOCCER TEAMS
Following the completion of the regional competitions, both teams qualified in top position from their respective groups and advanced to the knockout stages.
Preliminary Round (Last 16 of Leinster)
The u-19s travelled to Eureka Kells in March and turned in an outstanding performance to snatch a 2-1 win, courtesy of goals from Carla Fitzsimmons and Oleta Griffin. A great display from the girls, especially from the hardworking duo of Amy Murphy and Emma Lawlor.
Meanwhile the u-15s won through against Lusk Community College. In a very competitive match, the Manor House girls eventually won through 2-1, following goals from Oleta Griffin and Emma Lane Farre.
This meant that both teams had qualified for the Provincial Quarter Finals…
U-19 Leinster Quarter Final
MANOR HOUSE 1 ST. RAPHAELA'S, STILLORGAN 2
In a match played in St Anne’s Park, St Raphaela’s got off to an excellent start with two goals, either side of half time. The Manor House girls fought back bravely in the second half, their hard work epitomised by Amy Fuller in midfield. Their efforts were finally rewarded with a goal from the penalty spot from Carla Fitzsimmons. This set up a frantic finale, as Amy Murphy and Carla Fitzsimmons both went close to grabbing an equalizer. However it was not to be and congratulations must go to St Raphaela’s for a well-deserved win. A true team effort from Manor House with Aoife Howley putting in a typical captain’s performance.
U-15 Leinster Quarter Final
MANOR HOUSE 6 DUNSHAUGHLIN CC 2
After a cagey opening between both teams, Dunshaughlin ought to have taken the lead in the opening minutes. Manor House survived this scare and took the lead after Rachael Kelly passed through for Carla Fitzsimmons to open Manor House’s account. In a very fast-paced match it was Megan Colman who broke the offside trap to put Manor House two up after 25 minutes. Megan got another goal just before half time, scoring a header from a corner. Although Dunshaughlin got a well-deserved goal just before the half time whistle, it wasn’t long before Megan Colman scored again to complete her hat-trick, early in the second half. This made the score 4-1. Dunshaughlin did not give up though and pulled a goal back, only for Rachael Kelly to settle Manor House nerves with a stunning long range effort to make it 5-2. Orlaith Walsh got the final goal that her efforts deserved with a spectacular late strike in off the crossbar. A great team performance from all the girls, with a special mention to Jade Grant and Oleta Griffin who worked their socks off! A Leinster semi-final awaits the u-15s now, details to be confirmed…
(Report by Mr Montgomery)