BALLAFLETCHER in previous seasons has been a happy hunting ground for Gymnasium but not last Sunday when their visit saw Corinthians clinch a resounding 6-1 victory over their Douglas rivals in the Warehouse Fitness Women’s-Only Gymnasium-sponsored Women’s League
Both sides have had their squad stretched in recent months because of either the recent baby boom that has hit women’s football, players retiring, injured, transferring to other clubs or going to university. Therefore, the two teams could only field the bare 11 for this fixture.
The hosts got off to a promising start and took the lead with four minutes registered. Kiera Morgan chased the ball on the right, her cross was met by Jade Burden who held her ground to head home the opening goal.
Three minutes later it was 2-0 when Burden pick-pocketed the Gymnasium defence and, cutting in from the left, drove a low shot into the net.
However, the remainder of the first half meandered into an uninspiring conclusion with Gymnasium being more organised, although it was devoid of any real goal-mouth action. Kayleigh Whitehead, Zoe Carney and goalkeeper Rachel Cowie were the stand-out performers for the visitors.
On resumption, Corinthians looked a revitalised force and soon netted a third when Jade Burden teed up Lauren Christian who unleashed a bending, exquisite effort just inside the far post for an excellent goal.
Leanne Prescott was given more freedom along the left wing and, when her effort hit the post soon after, the rebound fell to Burden to slam in a fourth.
Jenna McStay added to the tally when her corner was assisted into the net by the leg of the Gymnasium player and, when returning to her own half, celebrated with a little dance.
The Whites netted their sixth when Anna Dillon deceived two players, her cut-back was met by Sarah O’Reilly to place home a low shot.
However, the visitors had the final say, netting a consolation after dispossessing the hosts’ defence, Carney’s lay-off was met by Alannah Hall who chipped from 20 yards to find the back of the net for an exquisite finish.
TEAM CHECK
Corinthians: Rose Ozga, Shannon Groves, Sarah O’Reilly, Shelley Simpson, Leanne Prescott, Dominique Moran, Jenna McStay, Lauren Christian, Anna Dillon, Jade Burden, Kiera Morgan,
Gymnasium: Rachel Cowie, Catherine Kennedy, Renee Michalogiannis, Sam MacDonald, Kayleigh Whitehead, Lauren Miller, Alannah Hall, Zoe Carney, Emma Corlett, Mia Brigantova, Carolyn McGeehan
l Laxey goalkeeper Sian Smith played the entire match for her side against Douglas Royal on Sunday, despite suffering a broken wrist.
The Ballafletcher side registered the biggest win of the day with a 21-1 win over the recently-reformed Miners at Glen Road. Leading 10-1 at the break, Donna Shimmin (6), Leanne Quayle (4), Bekkie Colquitt (4), Becci Pate (2), Zoe Hawley (2), Sarah Breen (2) and Tracy Craig netted for the Whites, while the Miners’ reply came via a Rhiannon Brew penalty.
However, that does not tell the whole story as Laxey only had seven players at one stage. The visiting team still gave it their all and manager Rob Matthews and his side must be given encouragement from the women’s football fraternity in this venture.
Peel picked up an encouraging away win after defeating Castletown 2-5 at the Stadium. The westerners took a two-goal lead but the southerners pulled it back to level the scores before half-time.
The westerners, however, added three more after the interval, with Maxine Smalley (2), Ellan Cleator, Nicola Naden and Mel McKnight all netting. The southern response came via a Justine Carran effort and a Kerry Beattie own goal.
DHSOB and Rushen United got their first points of the season following a 1-1 draw at Blackberry Lane. The southerners took a first-half lead when Janine Simpson provided a though-ball for Carole Kneen to score. DHSOB pushed forward for an equaliser in the second half but saw efforts hit the framework, cleared off the line and came across some resolute defending from Hannah Hattersley and good goalkeeping from Hannah Keggin.
However, they could not prevent the equaliser when Rachael Warrilier-Grant levelled the score for the Blackberry Lane outfit.