Killavilla and Birdhill set the pace

North Tipperary Women's Football League Review

By Gary Culbert

Premier Division

BT Harps welcomed reigning champions and current league leaders Killavilla United to Michael Fennell Park last Wednesday evening, and were unlucky to come away with only a point for their evenings work.

Killavilla opened the scoring five minutes before half-time through Nicole Brooks, with Khya Lynch providing the assist.

Harps were undeterred and thought they had drawn level moments later, only to see the effort ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

Harps came out in the second half determined to take the game to Villa and were rewarded ten minutes after the restart, the returning Liz Power finishing off a fine move, five minutes after coming on as a sub.

With the sides level, the game opened up and both sides had chances to score the all-important third, but it was the home side that struck next through Chloe Bateman in the 78th minute - a goal of the highest quality. Bateman received the ball on the edge of the box before turning with her first touch and volleying across the keeper, high into the net.

A lack of numbers and tiring legs caught up to Harps; with just five minutes remaining Killavilla dug deep and found an equaliser though pacy striker Nicole Brooks.

Birdhill travelled to the Tower Grounds in Thurles last Wednesday and came away with an impressive 4-2 win over Peake Villa.

Abbie Lenihan was in inspired form for the visitors, scoring all four of their goals. Chloe Shorley and Lauren McCormack responded for Villa, but it was too little too late.

First Division

Newport Town had a convincing win at home to Nenagh Celtic on Monday evening, with Heather O'Neill, Aoife Shinnors, Leah Moran, Abigail Hickey, Ailín Rochford and Kerrie Lenihan on the scoresheet.