The first ever ladies team for BunrattyCratloe FC played their first game on Thursday evening in a friendly encounter against Cappamore. The ladies team will feature in Division 1 of the Limerick Womens Soccer League playing their games mainly on a Tuesday evening.

The ladies got their preseason off to a flying start with two goals in the first 10 minutes with a long range effort from Danah King and a left footed volley from the edge of the box by Megan O’Connor.

The Ladies struggled to get their passing game going but a well timed ball over the top coupled with runs from deep were proving fruitful. This was predominantly the case down the right hand side as Elizabeth Byrne was consistently played in behind the defence. This was shown when Claire O’Brien added another two from midfield before the 20 minute mark. One of which was a delightfully chipped volley over the keeper from the right hand corner of the box. 

Cappamore pulled one back with a lovely through ball down their right hand channel that split two defenders and was finished with aplomb. 

Tara Carew then made it five before half time with a composed finish from twelve yards after getting onto the end of a breaking ball.

Cappamore started stronger in the second half making the game very competitive in the middle third and started to push back for the first fifteen minutes forcing goalkeeper, Caoimhe Nolan, into several saves. They continued to grow more into the game as tiredness and cramp started to become an increasing factor but the Bunratty defensive unit of Rebecca Delgarno, Sabrina McCarthy, Leona Bridges and Sharon McGorrian held strong to keep Cappamore at arms length.

Despite Cappamore’s increased pressure Bunratty consistently found an out ball through Megan O’Connor in a more advanced left wing role, who would add another two goals in the space of a minute by cutting into the box and firing low past the goalkeeper.

Goal scorers;

Danah King 6’

Megan O’Connor 8’ 63’ 64’

Claire O’Brien 13’, 17’

Tara Carew 30’

The ladies play another preseason friendly this coming Tuesday at home in Woulfe Park, Bunrratty so all support for these ladies be greatly appreciated.