YMCA Ladies travelled to Mallusk on Wednesday night to take on Donegal Celtic L.F.C. in the League Cup quarter final with no fewer than nine first team players unavailable through work committments, holidays or injuries.
And coach Mc Keever had to draft in nine players from the U-16 squad for the game!
The ‘Young guns’ produced a magnificent battling display to emerge 1-0 winners and book a place in the League Cup Semi-Final against a very strong, physical Celtic
side!
Celtic started brightly and put the young YM defence under the cosh in the opening 15 minutes bombarding the YM goal with high crosses trying to utilise the obvious height advantage but the YM defence of Archibald, Holly,Corey and McCarter were resolute.
And when they were breached Kirsty Eddis in the YM goal was there to cut out any danger.
Eddis was called into action after five minutes when a shot from the edge of the box looked destined for the top corner but Eddis clasped it to safety. Eddis again was the hero 10 minutes later when she palmed away a header following a corner.
Gradually, the young YM side began to get a grip on the game and created a few chances themselves with Mairead McCann and Avila Bergin going close; but at half-time the game remained scoreless.
YM started much better in the second half and began to dominate the midfield with Sarah Bergin, Laura Nicholas and McCann taking control and dictating the play. However the strong Celtic defence gave little away to the YM strikeforce of Lauren McLaughlin and Aiveen Laverty. Celtic almost opened the scoring on the hour mark when the striker went through on goal but again Eddis produced a wonderful stop and Archibald completed the clearance.
Just when it looked like both defences would come out on top, 10 minutes from time a good passing move down the right between Holly, McCann and Bergin ended with Canavan floating a cross into box and the Celtic keeper and defender went for the ball and the ball ended up in the net!
Celtic tried hard to get an equaliser in the remaining minutes but in truth the YM defence never looked like conceding and YM held on for hard fought but very well earned and ultimately deserved victory!
This victory maintains YMCA's fantastic start to the season and they still are unbeaten in all competitions. Next up is the last 16 IFA Cup tie away to Premiership side Loughgall Lakers on Monday night followed by a league match at home to Coleraine on Thursday night, 2 July, KO 7.30pm.
