DDSL U11.1 Girls – Cabinteely FC 2 Granada FC 1

Cabinteely’s U11s girls gained their first DDSL win against a very strong Granada team on Sunday morning at Kilbogget Park.

Previously this season, the away side had dominated the matches between the teams.

But the home outfit were organised and quick to the ball this time round – with outstanding performances all over the pitch.

Cabo went ahead early in the first half. Daisy Casey picked up the ball in midfield and threaded a perfect pass through for Ruby Hennessy. On the wing, she ran onto the ball and chipped the opposing goalkeeper.

Casey would go on to have a great game in the middle of the park. The hosts defended well with netminder Amelia Smialek making several crucial saves. Just before halftime, Sammy Wride broke with the ball but was fouled just outside the box. Having picked herself up, Wride’s kick-kick was blocked by some excellent Granada defending.

The second period saw Juno Ormsby enter the fray on the right flank. She was unlucky not to make an immediate impact as the away defence prevented the goal-scoring opportunity.

Lucy Dennehy and Sophie Degraeve were solid and reliable in the home defence. Smialek had come outfield and registered the goal to make it 2-0. She embarked on a solo run from the left wing before slotting the ball superbly into the bottom right corner of the net.

Cabo continued to press for a third score, with sisters Lauren and Nicole Fagan playing attacking football upfront. Smialek was unlucky to have a goal ruled out for offside.

To their credit, Granada did not give up and fought to pull a goal back with just five minutes remaining.

However, the White and Green’s continued to play well, didn’t panic, and kept their shape in an organised fashion to run out well-deserved 2-1 winners.