Playoff semi-final

Sunday 8th February

Nelson Place, 10.10am

Sunday saw Glenavon Ladies Futsal enter the end of season Cup playoffs taking on Rosario Ladies in the first semi final.

With the squad adding a few more bodies than has been the case for the last few fixtures. Glenavon took on a Rosario team they had beaten twice in the league but as this was the Cup knowing that didn’t mean much.

Despite a pre match warning that Rosario would come out firing for the first 5 minutes, Glenavon started very slowly and on the back foot, struggling to impose themselves onto the game.

After surviving a few scares Glenavon eventually got themselves into the game with Beth Chambers opening her account which settled the team and allowed them to get to grips with the game.

As with the previous week a mix of missed chances, the framework of the goal being rattled and good goalkeeping kept Rosario in the game.

After the first 5/10 minutes of action, Megan in nets became something of a spectator. Her only involvement being to ensure she came away with a clean sheet.

As the first half wore on, Glenavon pressed home their superiority with Beth 2, Jess 3, Sam 1, Becks 1 all scoring to see the Lurgan Blues go into the break 7 – 0 up.

The second half started with Glenavon on the front foot but Rosario were determined to try to get themselves back into the match.

However with the targeting sights now zeroed in and with a ruthless streak Glenavon soon got into their stride.

Glenavon went onto score a further 11 with the Rosario keeper doing really well to keep the score down.

Rosario did not give up but were overwhelmed by a Glenavon team that was in full flow. Megan again somewhat a spectator in the second half was pleased to keep her second clean sheet in a row. Goals from Jess 3, Sam 3, Megan 3, Becks 1, Beth 1 finished the second half. Glenavon running out 18-0 winners.

The result sees Glenavon into next weekend’s final against Ballymena Ladies who beat Bangor Ladies on penalties in the second semi final.

Coach Craig Morrow said after the match “For the first time this season I was disappointed with how we started the match, we were caught cold and appeared almost asleep at the wheel.

After Beth’s opener we started going through the gears, with their keeper keeping the score down. We need to give a lot of credit to Rosario, they never stopped despite the score line.
The final score however shows the quality this team possesses.

I don’t need to remind the players that the season doesn’t finish today we still have next weeks final. For a new team, players new to each other, how this team has performed is phenomenal and a joy to watch.

It’s not often a team will win 18-0 in a semi final but we must put that to bed and prepare properly for next week’s final.

I believe we now play Ballymena, who won through in the other semi final, and will see us play a team beaten only once in over 2 years, it should be quite some final.

I am immensely proud of this group and it’s a privilege to be their head coach.
Now I just want them to go finish the season off in style by winning next week’s final.”

SQUAD: 1. Megan McCabe, 5. Alex Winnington, 18. Beth Chambers, 16. Jess Rea, 23. Rebecca Dickson, 15. Sam Kelly, 20. Megan Weatherall (Captain)

GOALSCORERS: Jess Rea – 6, Beth Chambers- 3, Rebecca Dickson (Becks) – 2, Megan Weatherall – 3, Sam Kelly – 4