Harps Ladies rally to score crucial Championship win

By Peter Mullarkey

Dublin LGFA Junior A Championship

Skerries Harps: 3-09 (18)

St Peregrine's: 2-05 (11)

The Skerries Harps ladies footballers continued their unbeaten start to the Junior A Championship group stage with a hard-fought win over a determined St Peregrine's at home on Wednesday night, rallying from six points down at half-time to put in a big second-half performance and seal another win.

The Harps took early control from the throw-in and led 0-3 to no score after 15mins, with Lyndsey Davey proving flawless from frees. A goal against the run of play brought Peregrine's to life and a strong finish to the half saw the visitors lead 2-3 to 0-3 at half-time.

The introduction of goal-machine Megan Carroll for the second half brought renewed vigour to the Harps forward line and, despite resolute defensive work from the visitors, the Harps girls kept the scoreboard ticking. Strong running from the likes of All-Ireland winner Hannah McGinnis and Eve Keogh which stretched Peregrine's led to some crucial scores and the home side eventually drew level when the tireless Cathy Coleman scored a goal after a flowing team move the length of the pitch.

Now on top and roared on by a vocal crowd, the Harps pushed home their advantage with points by the always-deadly Davey and an expertly taken goal by Carroll to lead by 4 points going into injury time.

It was a massive second-half performance from the Harps with captain Saoirse Kavanagh leading by example and marshalling the full-back line, while Emma Parker and Kila Butler took control of the half-backs and the win was sealed in the closing seconds. A great turnover in defence followed by a slick passing move put Carroll through for her second goal - following a hat-trick versus Clontarf - to round off a thrilling night.

With two wins from two, the Harps next travel to play Kilmacud Crokes. That game takes place on Wednesday September 3rd in Pairc de Burca.

Scorers:

Lyndsey Davey 0-6

Megan Carroll 2-0

Cathy Coleman 1-0

Niamh Daly 0-1

Cliona Mullarkey 0-1

Eve Kehoe 0-1