Loughgall Lakers 3 – 0 Cliftonville Ladies

The Lakers continued their good run of form in the league with a very convincing win over Cliftonville Ladies at home.  Loughgall started strongly and immediately began to put pressure on the visiting team.  Stacey Hamilton played a good ball forward to Philippa Toal who controlled well before sending in a cross to winger Amy McCallister who was unfortunate to mis-kick when well placed.  McCallister soon turned provider when she beat her player and crossed into the box, however, Rebecca Capper was unable to direct her header goalwards. 
The Lakers went ahead on 15 minutes when McCallister made a timely tackle before sending an excellent ball over the defence.  Striker Toal ran clear and keeping her composure, placing the ball well into the corner past ‘keeper Tiarna McKenna.  A second goal was added soon after when impressive play between Capper and Toal released McCallister to blast home. 
Just before the break Loughgall should have added their third when intelligent play by Toal left Brooke Jordan free on goal, but the midfielder saw her shot well saved by the ‘keeper.

After half time the Lakers started in a similar fashion to the first and on 49 minutes Toal forced a good save from McKenna when a defensive mistake had allowed her through on goal.  Cliftonville created a chance soon after when Louise Irvine beat two players before shooting narrowly wide.  Hamilton, who was creating many problems for Cliftonville, made a superb tackle and followed this with an excellent defence splitting ball, providing Toal with a clear path to score her second of the game.  
On 75 minutes Toal almost made it a hat trick when Claire Rooney sent her free into space; however her lobbed effort hit the crossbar with the ‘keeper well beaten.  A good ball out wide from Lynn Ervine in defence allowed Lynne Beattie the freedom to push on up the right wing before sending a cross into the box.  Toal controlled and shot but ‘keeper McKenna made an excellent save, tipping over for a corner.  Just before the final whistle Cliftonville produced their best opportunity of the game however the well struck shot hit the post and was cleared to safety.