The Senior Ladies played host to league leaders Magherafelt yesterday evening, 20th May 2019. It was always going to be a challenge to topple the league pace-setters but the Desertmartin girls made them sit up and take notice, particularly in the second half. As expected the Rossas started at blistering speed building up a comfortable lead half way through the first period. But with Aideen Fullen beginning to win useful possession at mid-field, Carmel Shaw advancing constantly from half back and Louise O’Connell providing support the Saffrons began to work their way into the game. Following a couple of wides St Martin’s opened their account with a well taken goal from full-forward Patricia McFlynn. Magherafelt realising the Desertmartin threat replied with 1 – 2 approaching half-time. Desertmartin finished the half strongly pushing Magherafelt onto the back-foot and were unlucky not to score from two good shooting opportunities. The second period saw a very different game and a rejuvenated St Martin’s team. Suzanne McFlynn who was playing well in the first half gave a dazzling performance at half-back in the second. The introduction of Noleen McGuckin into the defence along with the assured play of Paula McElwee gave Desertmartin greater security. But the jewel in Desertmartin’s rousing second performance was Ciara Scullion who repeatedly picked up possession around her own 45m line and set the home side attacking time and time again. During the first twenty minutes of the second half Desertmartin outscored the visitors 3 – 2 to 1 – 5 with goals coming from P McFlynn, Erin McKernan and Emer Kelly along with two well taken points from C Scullion and S McGuckin. But the huge effort put in by the St Martin’s girls left them visibly tired entering the remaining few minutes of play. Sensing their opportunity the Rossas cashed with three late goals to re-establish their comfortable lead. But Desertmartin should take heart from their performance and build on it for the remainder of the league. Final score Desertmartin 4 – 2 – 6 – 13 Magherafelt.
Desertmartin: Noleen McGuckin; Sinead McGuckin; Suzanne McGuckin (0 -1); Edel McGuckin; Carmel Shaw; Paula McElwee; Louise O’Connell; Aideen Fullen; Ciara Scullion (0 -1); Erin McKernan (1 – 0); Niamh Mullan; Patricia McFlynn (2 – 0); Shannon Campbell; Emer Kelly (1 – 0); Catherine Walls and Orla Kelly