The Down Ladies were pipped at the post by a point by a strong Wexford side
Lidl National Football League 2023.
Division 3 Round 3,
5th February 2023.
Final Score Down 0-08 1-4 Wexford,
Down Senior Ladies travelled to St Patrick’s Park, Enniscorthy for Round 3 of Lidl National League match against Wexford on Sunday and were narrowly beaten by a point.
After a great win against Sligo last weekend, the Mourne Ladies had raised spirits.
However, Intermediate All Ireland runners up Wexford would be tough competition with two wins from two so far in the National League.
Down got off to a great start with Natasha Ferris pointing the first score of the match in the 2nd minute.
Both sides were working the ball well through the hands. Down were using a short kickout, which was easily intercepted by Wexford.
One of these was overturned and provided Wexford with their first score from Roisin Murphy in the 6th minute.
A possible penalty chance for Down in the 15th minute was not given. Following this, Wexford moved the ball up the field quickly to finish in a goal by Sarah Harding Kenny, and take the lead for the first time.
The Wexford Ladies continued to dominate possession, however the Mourne defence worked tirelessly forcing several wides.
The next three scores were for Wexford ( Harding Kenny 0-1, Ni Nuallain 0-2). Down’s Vivienne McCormack played well as a link player and pointed Down’s second score in the 28th minute.
The Mourne Ladies found their momentum and a long ball in from Emily Martin was caught by McCormack, laid off to Ferris and expertly pointed before the half time whistle.
Leaving the score at half time, Down was 0-03 to Wexford 1-04.
Down won the throw in for the second half and went on attack, but this was soon turned over by the Wexford defence.
As Wexford invaded the Down half they were swarmed by the defence, forcing turnovers. A foul on Down player King in 34th minute was easily pointed by Ferris, registering a score for Down and the first of the second half.
Despite Wexford’s best attempts, the Mourne defence worked well as a unit, preventing any shots on goal. Ferris pointed a further two frees for Down, closing the margin to a 1 point lead to Wexford.
The Wexford attack drove up the field, and a late tackle on Ni Nuallain gave them the chance to maintain their lead with a free.
Ni Nuallain passed to Cullen, laid off to Donnelly and a 1-2 to Cullen was forced wide by the determined Mourne defence.
A free for Ferris in the 57th minute was signalled by the umpire as a score, but after consultation with the referee was disallowed.
A resultant hop ball on the Wexford 21m line was won by the Model ladies, however Halligan was blown up for over carrying. Down player King, pointed the resultant free to put both sides level in the 59th minute.
A poor kick out from the Wexford keeper was overturned by McCormack, who drove at the Wexford defence and was brought down.
King again stepped up, pointing the free, and sealing a well-earned victory for the Mourne Ladies.
Next up for Down is a home match in Pairc Esler against Longford on 19th February.
Down Team: A McGivern, E McArdle , C Byrne, O Boyle, N McKibbin, P Smyth, A Greene, Meghan Doherty (C), V McCormack (0-1), N Scullion, E Martin, A Keown, S Dougherty, N Ferris (0-5), N King (0-2), K McKay, A Cull, A O’Higgins, A McAlea, B Rogan, L Duffy, E Sands, J Foy, K Howlett, N Loudon, E Fitzpatrick, N McClory, O Blaney, C Mulvenna & A Laverty.
Down Substitutes: A Cull for E McArdle, O Blaney for E Martin
Wexford Team: L Moore, A Halligan, S Murphy, K English, A Hanley, R Murphy (0-1), O Kehoe, A Cullen, C Donnelly, E Tomkins, C Murray, C Banville, S Harding Kenny (1-1), A Murphy, C Ni Nuallain (0-2), A Walsh, A Wilson, B McDonald, S Byrne, K Tomkins, M Barrett, M Byrne, N Butler, R Hughes, A Byrne, N English, O Byrne & A Lacey.
