McGovern and Little goals grab the points

Editorial Department • Published 11 Mar 2010 10:06 0 Comments

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Westmeath 0-11; Fermanagh 2-07;

Fermanagh Ladies continued their winning ways with a two point win over Westmeath on Sunday with goals from Imelda McGovern and Caroline Little the crucial scores in a tight encounter.

"It was a tough game," says Fermanagh manager David Mee. "Westmeath are really starting to get their act together now and they were not an easy three points. It was one of those games where we didn't really get the rub of the green or the bounce of the ball.There were a few simple handling errors too which we'll need to work on."

Fermanagh's defence showed their consistency last weekend again and Mee is delighted with the way they have been performing.

"We've stopped conceding early goals, they've listened to what we've been saying and they've put the hard work in," he said.

On Saturday Fermanagh will hope to continue their winning streak when they take on Longford in Brookeboro. The Erne ladies have crossed paths with Longford on many occasions over the years. The ratio of victories is about 50/50 but the most recent encounter, last year, saw Fermanagh suffer a comprehensive defeat. A fact which is not lost on Mee.

"We've played Longford nearly as many times as we've played Cavan over the last couple of years. Both sides know each other well. Last year they beat us down in Killoe, Longford by 5-16 to 0-05 so we know what they're capable off," he warns.

Despite the fact that Longford might not be the force this year that they were last, Mee is still quick to point out the merits of some of their attacking players.

"They are going through a bit of a transition period but they still have some very good striking options. Denise Murtagh and Siobhan McGowan are very dangerous players. We need our defence to get on top and our forwards will have to be first to the ball if we're going to get a result," he stated.

Sunday's game nearly did not take place as concerns expressed by match official, Maggie Farrelly from Cavan, about the condition of the pitch in parts and the fact it wasn't lined out properly, meant the game only went ahead 20 minutes later than scheduled.

Fermanagh were slow to get into this game and in doing so Westmeath chipped over two consecutive points from corner forward Sarah McManus and Maud Ann Foley (free) to take an early lead. Fermanagh's first real opportunity for a score came with just under ten minutes played but they were unlucky to watch on as Marcella Connolly's rasping shot came crashing off the crossbar.

After 13 minutes the Erne ladies did get off the mark. A point from Aisling Moane followed by a Mary Cunningham score, two minutes later brought the sides level. With both defences on top of their game scores were proving difficult to come by. Orla Reihill, Michelle Burke and Tara Hughes-Little were all marshalling the Fermanagh full back line well and standing firm to the home side's attacking play.

Westmeath's Maud Ann Foley was next to raise a white flag, to edge the Leinster ladies ahead once more. With only 20 minutes on the clock Fermanagh were forced to call on the services of Caroline Little after her sister Sharon had to make way with a shoulder injury. Caroline's impact was immediately felt and after only one minute on the pitch she knocked over a point to draw the side's level once more at three points apiece.

In the 23rd minute, Fermanagh finally made the breakthrough on goal. Some good work in the centre of the field by Shauna Hamilton saw her play the ball out to Mary Cunningham on the wing. The Kinawley player laid the ball off to Caroline Little who played a precision pass to Imelda McGovern. McGovern unleashed an unstoppable shot, low and to the keeper's left to give Fermanagh a 1-03 to 0-03 lead.

Caroline Little added to this with a point and two minutes later Fermanagh could have breached the Westmeath goal again. Shauna Hamilton's shot rattling the cross bar on this occasion. Westmeath finished the half with a flurry to reduce the deficit to a solitary score. Two points from Fiona Claffey and a point from Sarah McManus signalled the Leinster side's intent and it was a wake up call for Mee's side before the break.

The second half continued in similar fashion with both defences proving their worth. Fermanagh were first off the mark with two consecutive points from the hardworking Mary Cunningham. Maud Ann Foley tagged on the next two scores for the opposition to leave the score line 0-08 to 1-06 in favour of Fermanagh.

With ten minutes remaining, Sharon Little having sufficiently recovered from her earlier knock, was reintroduced with Aisling Moane making way. A minute later Fermanagh were rewarded for their hard work with a goal. Marcella Connolly won possession in midfield before playing Caroline Little in. The Lisnaskea player made a long, weaving solo run, playing a one-two with Imelda McGovern before blasting to the roof of the Westmeath net. Fermanagh now led 2-06 to 0-08.

Fermanagh suffered a setback in the final few minutes when Tara Hughes-Little had to be replaced by Rachel O'Dolan, after she suffered a leg injury. The Erne ladies finished their afternoon's work with a point from the boot of Mary Cunningham and despite three late frees by Westmeath's Laura Walsh, it was too little to late as Fermanagh came away with a hard fought win.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 11 Mar 10

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