Parkvilla fire five past Dunshaughlin Youths

Parkvilla...5

Dunshaughlin Youths...1

The NEFL Division 1 clash between Parkvilla and Dunshaughlin Youths at Claremont Stadium promised excitement, and it certainly lived up to expectations.

Dunshaughlin Youths dominated possession for the first 20 minutes, applying significant pressure early on.

Despite this, Parkvilla's defence held firm, with Aislinn Kerr making a crucial early save. Kerry-Ann had two early attempts for Parkvilla, both narrowly missing the target. Claire Breathnach made impressive runs down the right wing, but the well-organised away defence effectively cleared her crosses.

The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Dunshaughlin Youths won a corner. The ball was delivered to the near post, and after a failed clearance by 'Villa, the Youths striker forced the ball into the back of the net, giving the away team a 1-0 lead.

Dunshaughlin continued to press, but Kerr made several fine saves to keep the score at 1-0. The back four of Alex Kane, Orla Kennedy, Laura McCabe, and Sarah Williamson delivered solid first-half performances to keep Dunshaughlin at bay.

Katie Mullen and Sarah Williamson combined well to create a chance for Villa. Mullen received a precise pass from Williamson and slipped the ball to Kerry-Ann Gavin, but the shot was just wide of the mark.

Parkvilla's defence was tested repeatedly, with Orla Kennedy making a vital tackle and Katie Mullen providing cover.

Alex Cleary sent in a cross that was cleared by Dunshaughlin's defence, and Michelle Power was unlucky not to score from the rebound. Parkvilla's persistence paid off in the 30th minute when Katie Mullen set up Alex Cleary, who calmly found the back of the net to level the score at 1-1.

Just before half-time, in the 42nd minute, Rachel Casserly gave Parkvilla the lead after a brilliant pass from Kerry-Ann Gavin, making it 2-1 at the break.

The second-half began with Parkvilla continuing their momentum. Laura McCabe made a key pass into midfield, finding Rachel Casserly, who set up Alex Cleary for a shot that was well saved by the Dunshaughlin 'keeper.

In the 57th minute, Parkvilla extended their lead from a corner delivered by Cleary. Yasmin McCann rose highest and headed it home to make it 3-1, capping off a strong display by the number six in midfield. Alannah Sheridan looked comfortable in midfield, driving the team forward with her passes to the strikers.

Parkvilla maintained their dominance and, after a clever combination between Alex Cleary and Rachel Casserly in the middle, Casserly's shot narrowly missed. In the 74th minute, Sarah Power capitalized on a rebound after the keeper saved a shot from Casserly, increasing the lead to 4-1.

Parkvilla continued to press, and in the 78th minute, Alex Cleary found the net again after being set up by Katie Mullen, making it 5-1.

Jumain Lawal and Sinead Boland energised the home side in the final ten minutes, working hard to keep 'Villa in the attacking half in what was a strong and physical match.

The final stages showcased solid defensive work from Parkvilla, with Sarah Williamson making a crucial tackle and Orla Kennedy following up a with a last-ditch clearance to maintain their lead.

Alex Kane also put in a strong performance at left back and was instrumental in setting up several attacks down the left side one of which nearly resulted in a goal for Alex Cleary but the move ended with the shot just going over the bar.

The final whistle blew with a 5-1 victory for Parkvilla against a strong Dunshaughlin Youths side. Next up for the Claret and Blue is a home game against Park Celtic Summerhill next Monday.

Best for 'Villa were Sarah Williamson, Aislinn Kerr, Alex Kane and Orla Kennedy.

Parkvilla squad - Aislinn Kerr, Orla Kennedy, Alex Kane, Sarah Williamson, Laura McCabe, Yasmin McCann, Katie Mullen, Kerry-Ann Gavin, Michelle Power, Claire Breathnach, Alex Cleary, Alannah Sheridan, Rachel Casserly, Sarah Power, Jumain Lawal, Sinead Boland