Feature Game

So Fresh Entertainment Women’s Division

Clane United FC 6 1 Derry Rovers FC

Clane United AFC produced an impressive attacking display at Doctor’s Road to get the best of Derry Rovers AFC in a 7-goal thriller in this evenings KDFL So Fresh Entertainment Women’s Division clash. A first-half blitz, led by the Clane’s trio of Sarah Byrne, Molly Nason, and Mary Hulgraine, set the tone for a commanding home win in front of a vocal crowd. Rovers, sporting their pink and black kit, started brightly, winning early possession and pushing high up the pitch. Just three minutes in, they were rewarded for their proactive play when Chelsie O'Driscoll’s clever through ball found Ally Gallagher, who calmly slotted home placing the ball across the Clane keeper to give the visitors the early lead.

Unfortunately, the lead wouldn’t last long. Clane responded with pace and purpose. In the 4th minute, Sarah Byrne burst down the left wing and put a ball through into the Rover’s box. The ball drifted across towards the penalty spot unchallenged until defender Caroline O’Neill made a fine clearance of the ball before an attack could be mounted. In the 10th minute, Sarah Byrne broke through and selflessly squared the ball to Molly Nason after Rover’s keeper Ava Farrell stepped out to close the angle, not allowing the shot. Nason finished coolly to level the tie at 1-1, and from then on, both Clane’s defence and attack was on point.

Byrne, who was at the heart of every Clane attack, continued to torment the Rovers defence. In the 19th minute, her perseverance paid off as she pounced on a rebound following a powerful save from Ava to fire Clane into a 2-1 lead. Just six minutes later, Nason grabbed her second with a beautifully taken strike into the far top corner, courtesy of another inch-perfect ball from midfield maestro Mary Hulgraine.

Clane kept the pressure going. On 34 minutes, a corner bounced invitingly to Hulgraine, who struck with precision to extend the lead to 4-1. Despite several strong saves by Rovers' goalkeeper Ava Farrell — who was arguably her side's standout performer — Clane’s attacking pressure proved relentless. As the first half neared its end, Derry Rovers were awarded a free kick from 25 yards, with Chelsie O'Driscoll stepping up to take it. Her effort was well-aimed toward the top corner, but lacked the power to beat the Clane keeper, who made a comfortable save. Moments later, Clane looked to capitalise on the rebound in momentum. A throw-in fell to Molly Nason, who sent a high ball into the Rovers box. Ava Farrell claimed it confidently and launched a quick clearance. The ball landed at the feet of Clane’s Heather Meagher, who spotted Ava off her line and took a first-time snap shot — her ambitious effort just drifting wide of the target. The first half ended with Clane firmly in the driving seat, 4-1 up, leaving Rovers with an uphill battle to fight in the second 45.

The second half started in much the same vein, with Hulgraine going close just two minutes in. Her persistence paid off in the 56th minute, when she smashed a stunning 30-yard free kick into the top of the net — a highlight-reel goal that made it 5-1 to the home side. Just two minutes later, Clane were awarded a penalty for handball inside the box. Nason stepped up and, although Farrell got a hand to the shot, the ball nestled in the corner to complete the striker’s hat-trick and bring the score to 6-1. Despite the deficit, Derry Rovers continued to show spirit. Chelsie O'Driscoll and Ally Gallagher linked up well in midfield, trying to create openings, while Aoife Tyrell added some spark from the right wing. But Clane’s backline, marshalled effectively and supported by a sharp goalkeeper, remained solid throughout. Farrell was called into action again in the 72nd minute, making another fine save from a Hulgraine strike. And when Clane broke dangerously on a late counterattack, it was Chelsie — tracking back tirelessly — who made a vital clearance to prevent further damage. Mary Hulgraine hit another near miss in the 76th minute from 45 yard out on the right wing. The onlooking spectators gasped as they thought the powerful shot was going to dip into the far top corner, but to their disappointment, it drifted just over the bar. Rovers nearly pulled one back in the 85th minute with a curling free kick from Gallagher, but Clane’s keeper was equal to the task, securing a comprehensive result for the home side. Despite the one-sided scoreline, several individuals from both teams delivered impressive performances. Clane's superior organisation, movement, and finishing were the difference, but Derry Rovers showed moments of quality and a lot of character. Best for Derry Rovers were Ava Farrell (Goalkeeper – Rovers Player of the Match) Despite conceding six, Ava was Rovers’ clear standout. She made several high-quality saves, including two one-on-ones and a diving stop to deny Hulgraine. Her quick thinking and solid handling prevented an even larger scoreline. Chelsie O’Driscoll (Midfield) worked hard throughout, assisted the opening goal, and helped with defensive duties when Clane counterattacked. Her effort to track back in the 80th minute to stop a certain goal stood out for commitment. Ally Gallagher (Forward) scored Rovers only goal with a composed early finish and was their most dangerous player in the middle of the park. She tried to drive the team forward, created chances, and hit a strong late free kick that tested the Clane keeper. Mary Hulgraine (Midfield – Clane Player of the Match) Hulgraine was the driving force for Clane. A dominant display in midfield, dictating tempo, creating chances, and scoring two stunning goals, including a long-range free kick. A complete performance. Sarah Byrne (Winger) Involved in most of Clane’s attacking play early on and a constant threat going forward. She had a hand in several goals, made clever runs, and forced multiple saves from Rovers’ keeper. Molly Nason (Forward) Nason scored a well-earned hat-trick, combining sharp positioning with composed finishing. She also assisted and pressed the Rovers' backline throughout.  Others to shine for the winners were Aoife Phelan and Ciara Brown.