Gorman goals drive Killeigh to title as Willow are dethroned

Killeigh Ladies 3 Willow Park 1

By John Dingle

In an exciting conclusion to the CCFL Women’s Division campaign, Killeigh Ladies regained the league crown at Frank McEvoy Park last Sunday afternoon, thereby denying Willow Park a third title in a row. Killeigh only needed a draw to win the league title but were full value for their 3-1 victory.

Two goals early in the second half - Orla Gorman's second, with Nicole Merriman also getting on the scoresheet - undid the defending champions as a late score proved mere consolation for Jenny Madden's team.

The stakes were high with no margin for error, Willow knowing that only a win would keep the trophy in Athlone for another season. Both teams had only been beaten once thus far but crucially Killeigh had dropped no other points along the way and, with a two-point advantage, just needed to avoid defeat to taste success.

The home team had most of the play in the opening half as Willow surprisingly struggled to gain a foothold in the contest. Killeigh were not content to play defensively and hold out for a share of the spoils.

It was a half of few clear-cut chances though as Orla Gorman had an early cross from the right saved while the first corner kick was earned by the hosts after 14 minutes. Three minutes later, Willow keeper Noreen Devery pulled off a great save as she pushed behind a shot from Helen Hensey.

From the resulting corner, taken by Gorman, a header from Brenda Betson was cleared. Willow's first chance fell to Savannah Cassidy but her long range attempt cleared the bar.

The deadlock was broken midway through the half. Nicole Merriman created the opening for Killeigh on the right when she cut inside to set up Gorman, whose low shot flew past Devery from the edge of the penalty area.

Willow responded with Ciara Corcoran off target from the left while Merriman was also wide from Killeigh's last chance of the half. The action ended with Ciara McManus drilling a free kick across the Killeigh box from the right. Overall, though, Willow did not seriously threaten the home goal for long periods as they struggled in attack.

After a low key opening half, the second half started in spectacular fashion with two Killeigh goals in the first five minutes.

Willow were still in contention when play resumed but were soon facing defeat following a dreadful restart.

The lead was doubled with just two minutes played. Betson's free kick strike from long range crashed back off the bar and Gorman was on hand to scramble the ball home as Devery did her best to prevent the home team from scoring.

Two soon became three as Killeigh all but killed off the Willow challenge after 50 minutes. Merriman broke down the left and, after going to the end line, then cut back to shoot to the net at the near post.

Willow now needed to score four times to hold onto their crown but never looked like staging a remarkable comeback despite never giving up the fight. Killeigh kept up the pressure with another corner while a shot from Betson was blocked behind.

Emma McGrath had a chance for Willow as the game headed towards the hour mark.

Willow were finally rewarded for their persistence with a goal after 65 minutes. Cassidy showed good footwork to round the keeper and then roll the ball into the net.

But Killeigh held firm and did not panic. A corner followed for Willow as most of the pressure was now coming from the visitors with the Offaly outfit penned in their own half.

Rachel Rourke had a shot saved with substitute Dara Hughes also denied by Donna Murray after being set up by McManus, but Willow could not reduce the deficit further as the game drifted into added time.

Gorman had two further chances to complete a hat trick for Killeigh in this period but fired over from the right and then saw her free kick saved by Devery.

Five additional minutes were eventually played and, after McGrath had a shot blocked following a Willow corner, the final whistle soon sounded, paving the way for the trophy to be presented to Killeigh captain Brenda Betson.

Willow though still have the opportunity to try and salvage some silverware for the season with the replay of the CCFL Women's Cup final against Ballymackey to follow next Sunday at Frank O’Connell Park, Birr (12.00).

Player of the match: Brenda Betson (Killeigh). The Killeigh captain was always active in midfield and her fierce free kick led to the home team doubling their advantage early in the second half.

Killeigh Ladies: Donna Murray, Aoibhín Walsh, Kiahara Dempsey, Roisin Kane, Megan Maxwell, Lisa Gorman, Helen Hensey, Alex Davis, Nicole Merriman, Orla Gorman, Brenda Betson. Subs: Emma Gorman for Merriman (61 mins); Rebecca O’Connor for Hensey (89); Rebecca Meehan for Betson (90).

Willow Park: Noreen Devery, Rachel Rourke, Ashley Hellenbrand, Ciara Dunne, Lauren Shannon, Emma McGrath, Ciara McManus, Ciara Corcoran, Savannah Cassidy, Nicole Kelly, Yasmin Rodgers. Subs: Niamh Egan for Corcoran (half-time); Dara Hughes for Rodgers (79 mins).

Referee: Des McEnery (Athlone).