Leixlip United 3 - 1 Newpark AFC
Leixlip United’s Senior Women’s team were 3-1 winners over Newpark AFC of Kilkenny last Sunday, 23rd January, in the LFA Women’s Junior Cup.
Newpark started brightly and Leixlip had to weather the early storm inflicted by the visitors. Then, in the 9th minute, Sarah-Jane Hecker used her skilful footwork to bypass the defender and struck the ball into the back of the net from outside the box. This goal marked a clear shift in momentum from the Kilkenny side to Leixlip and this momentum stayed with the home side for the remainder of the game. Leixlip displayed some excellent link up play, switching the ball seamlessly from left to right and working out from the backline. In the 19th minute, Sarah-Jane got on the end of a great team move and chipped the goalkeeper to make it 2-0. Leixlip had the most chances in the first half and were unlucky not to have converted more.
The half-time whistle saw the away side draw a breath of relief and the teams retreated into their dugouts.
Newpark restarted the second half with determination and aggression, but Leixlip anticipated this, and the reliable Sarah-Jane slotted the ball home for her 3rd on the 47th minute after a quick counterattack. The game lost its flow after the 3rd goal was scored and both teams were guilty of sloppy phases of play. A mix up in the Leixlip defence on the 78th minute saw a back pass go astray which led to a collision with the Leixlip goalkeeper and the Newpark striker. This resulted in a yellow card being given to the Leixlip keeper and a penalty being awarded to the away side. The penalty struck the post, but Newpark got a spark of luck as the ball rebounded and went in. The away side tried to build on this lifeline they had been given but Leixlip United remained calm and composed and saw the game out in a professional manner.
The game finished 3-1. A great display of football from both sides.
Leixlip now progress into the quarter-finals of the LFA Junior Cup.
MGL u16B Ratoath 1 Leixlip United 4
Good win for the girls today as we got back after the break. Emily O'Boyle opened the scoring with a nice first-time finish from the edge of the box. Jae Howard got a hat trick, with two of them on a plate after the wingers did great work to set her up. Nice to see good play rewarded! Ratoath got a late consolation goal, but a good performance and deserved win for us.
16P1. Leixlip Utd 4 St.Pats 0
A really good performance against National league opposition. The goalscorers were Alex Akindrindoyo 2, Josh Flood and Sammy Kelly. Our under 15s and 16s are awaiting the National draw on Tuesday 25th January for the SFAI Cup competition after good wins last week against Malahide Utd and St.Francis respectively.
Other News The Academy resumes at 10:00 to 11:00 next Sunday 30th January for boys and girls 3 to 7 years of age. For more information email academy@leixlipunited.com
