Anna Fahey netted a brace as Galway United condemned the Donegal Women’s League to a third defeat in the Continental Tyres Under-17 Women’s National League.
Donegal Women’s League 0 Galway United 3
Fahey’s double was a big difference as Galway overcame Donegal at Leckview Park.
Annie Gough’s late lobbed effort put the cherry on the cake for Galway.
Donegal’s defensive set up proved frustrating for Galway for long periods and it was only when Fahey bagged a second in the 69th minute that the westerners could breathe.
They took the lead after just eight minutes when Fahey broke clear and clipped a tidy finish past Donegal ‘keeper Neve Scanlan.
Fahey forced a save from Scanlan with only 20 seconds gone in the game, but Donegal survived that early scare.
Kayla Brady went close to doubling the Galway lead, but couldn’t direct her effort on target.
Donegal’s Megan Masterson tried her luck from long range, but had a similar outcome before half-time.
Fahey could have had a hat-trick within nine minutes of the restart, but was off cue twice. First, Fahey attempted to chip Scanlan, but her effort dropped wide while another effort flashed past the post after a brilliant turn on the edge of the box.
Shauna Brennan warmed Scanlan’s palms, but Galway did double the advantage when Fahey found the bullseye with a 20-yard free-kick, curled up and over the Donegal wall and beyond the goalkeeper
Seven minutes later and a delicious lob from Gough sent Galway on their way home with the maximum rewards.
Donegal Women’s League: Neve Scanlan, Allanah Kee, Michelle McDevitt, Catherine Grier, Kelly-Ann Buchannan, Molly Page, Aishling Irwin, Ciara McGarvey, Megan Masterson, Helena McGee, Danielle Hynd. Sub: Aoife Kelly for Masterson (71).
Galway United: Ria McPhilbin, Emma Conacur, Leah Brady, Kayla Brady, Anna Fahey, Ciara McManus, Shauna Brennan, Kate Slevin, Chellene Trizz, Aoibhin Donnelly, Annie Gough. Subs: Amy Walsh for Conacur (61), Caitlin Quinn for Fahey (71).
Referee: Marty McGarrigle
