Donegal shared a 1-1 draw with Mayo in the FAI U15 Interleague Gaynor Cup Group Qualifier at Illistrin on Saturday.
Donegal Women’s League 1 Mayo 1
Against a strong wind in the first half, Donegal had to absorb long periods of pressure, however Ellie Duffy in goal and the defenders of Lucy Canning, Rebecca McColgan, Serena Mc Crossan and Shania McGonagle had solid performances restricting Mayo to long range shots.
Donegal’s first attack came when Brenda Carr send Hannah Hopkins down the right with a strong run by Hopkins into the box but her shot was just wide of post.
A few minutes later Hopkins delivered a good cross but Jodie McFadden missed the target by inches.
The breakthrough came on 17 minutes for Mayo with Emma Gallagher firing into the roof of the net after a corner.
Cora McBride and Erin Doherty started to control midfield and linked up well with Codie Walsh.
Donegal changed things in the second half introducing two quick wingers in Niamh Sweeney and Ciara Molloy.
This saw Donegal create more scoring chances with Laura Calleary in the Mayo net call upon on a number of occasions.
On 43 minutes Erin Doherty equalised for Donegal with a great strike from a tight angle.
Erika Gallagher come close shortly after, as did Codie Walsh. With time running out Donegal had one last chance with a good delivery by Rebecca McColgan into the box but the ball just didn’t come down quick enough for Ciara Molloy.
Sorcha McCarney (captain) and Emma Gallagher were outstanding for Mayo. Serena McCrossan and Cora McBride playing excellent for Donegal.
Donegal: Ellie Duffy and Emily Irwin (Swilly Rovers); Emma Doherty and Hannah Hopkin (Bonagee United); Lucy Canning, Erin Doherty, Serena McCrossan, Niamh Sweeney (Lagan Harps); Shania McGonagle, Rebecca McColgan, Codie Walsh, Cora McBride (Raphoe Town); Jodie McFadden, Erika Gallagher, Nicole McDaid and Ciara Molloy (Illistrin FC); Brenda Carr (Finn Valley Ladies FC)
