On Thursday the Ladies team welcomed Aisling Annacotty to Woulfe Park for the second time this season. The Bunratty side was bolstered by three new signings from CDSL sides; Shauna Keane (Hermitage), Eryn O'Leary (Tulla Utd) and Thanthra O'Callaghan (Bridge Utd). with both Shauna Keane and Eryn O'Leary going straight into the starting lineup.
Unfortunately, the ladies started off extremely slowly with Annacotty taking the lead within five minutes, Leona Bridges with a heavy tackle 25 yards from goal resulting in a freekick. Annacotty captain Claire Kelly stood up and sent the free looping over keeper Shelly Goggins. Bunratty's soporific performance continued as they failed to get to grips with Annacotty's slick passing game time and again, and would be carved open several more times during the half. A second goal came about from Ivylin Uly Morais de Almeida, and Bunratty looked in trouble. Annacotty continued to dominate the ball, and Bunratty had little opportunity to make in roads and trouble the opposition keeper. At half time the two goal deficit looked flattering, as Annacotty consistently penetrated the Bunratty box and got shots away.
Bunratty regrouped at the half time break, and would strike within 5 minutes as Eryn O'Leary volleyed home via the crossbar from a corner. The ladies dug deep, as Annacotty's typical passing game started to wilt as the half progressed a new look front line of O'Leary, O'Callaghan, and Keane showed some promise with all three willing to stretch the opposition defence and give plenty of opportunity for counter attacks. The equaliser would arrive on the hour mark, as Eryn O'Leary volleyed a breaking corner into the roof of the net.
Extra Time would prove to be largely uneventful due to tired legs, and numerous bouts of cramp breaking up play. However each team would get one last opportunity to try grab the win....
Shauna Keane, released on another run down the inside channel, was well patrolled by her accompanying centreback but still managed to get a decent shot away at goal. Unfortunately, it was placed straight at the keeper who saved well. Annacotty's chance would come in the final minutes, with a thunderous effort off the bar from just inside the box.
