Saintfield are shattered by cup final loss

Saintfield are shattered by cup final loss

11 May 2016

SAINTFIELD left the Playball Arena at Stormont on Saturday wondering how they didn’t pick up the cup.

In a game which Saintfield dominated and created numerous goal scoring opportunities its beggars belief that they were beaten by Ards.

In a strong first half Saintfield controlled the game and pushed Ards back into their own territory.

Julie Shaw was instrumental in the forward play, linking well with Kelly Sofley and Rebecca McCallion.

Saintfield won a short corner only for the Ards defence to clear the ball. Then Sophie Cairns won the ball on the right flank, squared to Shaw and McCallion had a shot at the ‘keeper, which was saved.

Heather Jackson in defence drove the ball down the centre for Shaw to set up Sofley who won another short corner, which Shaw hit narrowly wide.

The second half was more evenly contested with Rachel Foreman and Megan Cairns having to do a bit more work, but they won the tackles easily.

Ards then delivered a long ball to their centre forward who went one-on-one with Saints keeper Nikki Kirk, who averted the danger by confidently coming off her line.

Totally against the run of play, Ards scored the only goal of the game from a short corner 10 minutes before the full time whistle. It was their only genuine chance of the match.

Saintfield went on the attack with McCallion being denied by the Ards custodian.

Saintfield Ladies 0

Ards Ladies III 1

INTERMEDIATE CUP FINAL