Nobber 3–10 (19) Wolfe Tones 1–6 (9)

This report may have taken a little longer to land than usual, but as the saying goes — better late than never! On Wednesday evening, the Nobber Ladies Adult team continued their impressive championship form with a strong home performance under lights. In front of a lively crowd, the Black and Ambers welcomed local rivals Wolfe Tones for their final group stage fixture.

The Deesiders finished out the night as convincing 10-point winners, but the early stages belonged to Wolfe Tones. The Wilkinstown/Kilberry outfit were sharper in front of goal during the first half, taking their chances well, and held a narrow one-point lead at the break. Nobber, though, never let them pull away. Centre forward Eleanor Gallagher was at the heart of much of the home side’s best play, registering three fine points, with support from Emily McEntee, Bridget McCormack, and the tireless midfield duo of Louise Mulligan and Noelle Hanna. Shooting into the village-end goals, their efforts ensured Nobber stayed well within touching distance heading into the second half.

Whatever words were spoken in the home dressing room clearly had the desired effect. Management trio Ronnie Clements, Paddy O’Reilly, and John Clarke may not confirm whether it was the famous Sir Alex Ferguson “hairdryer treatment” or perhaps a Davy Fitzgerald-style motivational roar, but one thing was certain: Nobber emerged transformed.

The second half saw the Black and Ambers deliver an exhibition of football. The defence tightened considerably, restricting Wolfe Tones to very few scoring opportunities. Sarah Monaghan and Edel Halpin impressed at the back, while goalkeeper Rhona Murphy was a calm and solid presence between the posts. Going forward, goals proved to be the winning of the game. Arlene McCormack showed great composure to finish past the Tones keeper, while Emily McEntee added 1–1 to her tally and looked dangerous throughout. Full forward Anna Hughes chipped in with a fine point after a sweeping team move, while the energetic wing forward Samara Hutchinson delighted the home crowd by blasting home a superb goal into the O’Carolan College end. Gallagher, so influential all evening, rounded off the scoring to seal a memorable victory.

The result leaves Nobber in an excellent position heading into their upcoming semi-final. With momentum, confidence, and plenty of positives to take from this display — alongside a few areas still to sharpen up — the Black and Ambers will look to carry this form forward into the knockout stages.

Nobber Team: Rhona Murphy, Aisling Shannon, Sarah Monaghan, Grainne Weldon, Niamh Owens, Edel Halpin, Edel Curtis, Louise Mulligan, Noelle Hanna, Samara Hutchinson, Eleanor Gallagher, Bridget McCormack, Emily McEntee, Anna Hughes, Emily Hanratty.

Subs used: Arlene McCormack, Caoimhe Weldon, Katie Owens, Marie Smith, Lorna Freeman, Laura Corcoran, Andrea Horgan, Anita Lennon.

 

Tweet

Most Read Stories