Parkvilla march to comprehensive victory

Promotion to Premier Division secured

NEFL Ladies Division 1

Parkvilla 4-0 Ballyhaise Celtic

Ballyhaise visited Navan this week for Parkvilla's final home league game of the season. Villa knew that a win, combined with favourable results from other matches, would secure their promotion back to the Premier Division. Ballyhaise, known for their resilience, promised a challenging match, so the Claret and Blue prepared for a strong performance.

The Villa defence of Laura McCabe, Yasmin McCann, Alex Kane, and Orla Kennedy, was strong, making blocks and tackles to stop Ballyhaise's attacks.

Villa broke the deadlock in the 13th minute. Kerry-Ann Gavin, receiving the ball on the left, cut in on her right foot and took a shot. The ball was partially cleared, and Katie Mullen was perfectly positioned to force it into the net.

The Claremont crowd was in full support of Villa, and they were rewarded in the 40th minute as the lead was doubled. Laura McCabe took a free kick from midfield, playing a clever pass to Katie Mullen. Mullen played the ball wide left for Alex Cleary, who controlled it and scored with a left-footed shot into the corner of the net. (HT 2-0)

The second half began with Villa determined to score the next goal. Rachel Casserly, now playing on the right side of midfield, passed to Alex Cleary, whose shot was successfully cleared by the defender.

Casserly continued to be involved, with another of her through balls being cleared by the goalkeeper. In the 50th minute, Casserly combined again with Cleary, who found herself one-on-one with the keeper and calmly slotted the ball into the net, making it 3-0. In the 68th minute, Villa made it 4-0 when Casserly set Kerry-Ann Gavin free, and she slotted it past the keeper without hesitation.

The final whistle blew, and Villa celebrated a 4-0 victory, securing three points and second place, which earned them promotion to the premier division next year.

The entire club is proud of this team, as every player contributed significantly to the successful season. The future is bright for our senior women's football team.

Best for the winners were Laura McCabe, Yasmin McCann, Sinead Boland and Nicole O’Flaherty.

Parkvilla - Alex Cleary(2), Katie Mullen, Kerry-Ann Gavin. Team: Aislinn Kerr, Orla Kennedy, Alex Kane, Laura McCabe, Yasmin McCann, Alannah Sheridan, Kerry-Ann Gavin, Emma Sheridan, Michelle Power, Katie Mullen, Alex Cleary, Rachel Casserly, Sinead Boland, Nicole O'Flaherty, Sarita Hutton