Match Reports
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Date: 19.09.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Linfield Ladies
H / A: Away
Competition: Final of IFA Cup
Full Time: 0 - 4
Venue: Loughgall
Glentoran BU 4 Linfield Ladies 0
Following in the footsteps of their male counterparts who beat their cross town rivals Linfield 4-1, in a Setanta Cup Fixture earlier in the week, the Glens Women's recorded an emphatic victory over Linfield Ladies, running out convincing 4-0 winners in the IFA Women's Cup Final at Loughgall.
The Glens went in front after 11 minutes as Maggie Tolan slotted home a Nicky Ganter cross to lead 1-0. After 17 minutes Maggie Tolan doubled the lead with a brilliantly converted free kick from the left.
Half time was reached with no further score, Maggie Tolan in particular, scorning a chance just before half-time to get her hat trick and further stretch the Glens BU lead.
The 2nd half got off to an explosive start as Nolene Douglas the Glens BU left back was dismissed for an innocuous retort to her shirt being pulled as she tried to drive up-field.
This dismissal seems to give Linfield heart, but their rally was swiftly snuffed out as Glens BU reacted to a Linfield chance which rebounded of the post, by going up the field and scoring their 3rd goal via Nicky Ganter (player of the match).
The icing on the cake came courtesy of Rose Todd, who converted a well worked move to leave the final score 4-0.
Rose's celebrations summed up the exhilaration and satisfaction of a job well done, trophy number 4 and the end of a very satisfying season!!!!
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Date: 12.09.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Newbridge Predators
H / A: Away
Competition: Final of Premier Cup
Full Time: 1 - 2
Venue: Loughgall
Northern Ireland Women’s Premier Cup Final
Glentoran added a third piece of silverware to this season’s haul as they added the NI Women’s Premier League Cup to the already achieved Premier League title and the Reserve League title. The Cup was achieved by beating Newbridge Predators at Loughgall on Friday night (12th).
The match was a tense affair, with Glentoran BU trying to build on the momentum of the draw they had achieved in the Women’s UEFA Cup, from which they had returned from Croatia on Wednesday.
Indeed the Glens took the lead mid way through the 1st half as Catherine O’Hagan converted a well worked Glens move, running onto a pass from Laura Hislop.
The second half started with Newbridge Predators pressing for a equalizer which they got ten minutes into the half courtesy of a strike from Lisa Nixon.
This goal seem to galvanise the Glens out of their second half lethargy and they went in front again when impact substitute Nicky Ganter skipped inside the Predators defense and crossed for Gail Macklin to slot home.
Predators tried to get the equalizer to force the game into extra time but it wasn’t to be and the Glen’s successful season continues.
Glentoran BU 2 Newbridge Predators 1
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Date: 01.09.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Donegal Celtic
H / A: Away
Competition: Semi final IFA Cup
Full Time: 0 - 7
Venue: Mallusk
Awaiting Report
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Date: 25.08.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Northland Raiders
H / A: Home
Competition: League
Full Time: 7 - 2
Venue: Billy Neill
Awaiting Report
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Date: 18.08.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Linfield
H / A: Home
Competition: League
Full Time: Game Void
Venue: Billy Neill
Match void. GBU awarded 3 points.
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Date: 13.08.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Strikers
H / A: Away
Competition: League
Full Time: 1 - 2
Venue: Jordanstown
Awaiting Report
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Date: 05.08.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Predators
H / A: Home
Competition: League
Full Time: 4 - 3
Venue: Billy Neill
Awaiting Report
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Date: 23.07.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Fermanagh Mallards
H / A: Away
Competition: League
Full Time: 0 - 6
Venue: Ferney Park
Awaiting Report
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Date: 31.07.08
Squad: Reserve
Opponents: YMCA II
H / A: Home
Competition: League
Full Time: 2 - 0
Venue: Billy Neill
At some stage we hope to have an Indian Summer, however on Thursday night at Billy Neill the Reserves welcomed the young ladies from YMCA to a monsoon.
I’m not sure what it does for the normal potato crop but I’m sure the rice farmers of North Down were more than happy.
This was the last league game for the girls and after a disappointing start to the season the girls have rallied well and are currently top of the league, a victory would ensure that they could not be beaten on points by Linfield or Strikers and hopefully goal difference would be in our favour.
The girls had played well against the YMCA girls away at Riverside and won well, would they be able to repeat the feat?
As the ‘warm up’ got underway the rain got heavier and it was noticed that the YMCA girls included some older girls from those that we had previously faced and their experience and fitness was evident from the start. Our midfield was being a bit overrun by the quicker YMCA girls but our defense held strong.
Anna was again playing well in nets and after waving a YMCA shot wide, onto the post, BU cleared and Rosie went on a meandering run up front, beating a couple of players with her speed, she then cut inside from the right and steered the ball past the YMCA keeper into the net. 1-0 to BU.
At this stage we suspected that Noah was starting to gather pairs of native animals outside Newtownards as the rain did not ease off, a fine selection of corporate umbrellas were getting a summer airing and the crowd were concerned that soon water polo skills were going to be needed.
The BU girls started to put a few more passes together and had a couple of hopeful efforts on goal but as half time came along 1-0 was a deserved if hard fought scoreline.
This was one occasion that an Alex Ferguson half time ‘hairdryer’ experience would have been appreciated by the girls, even if only to dry off, but the jelly babies did the trick anyway.
The second half started off similar to the first with the girls ably defending the YMCA girls attacking efforts and BU building some forward momentum but not really troubling the keeper.
Mid way through the second half the ball broke to Nicky America at the edge of the box and her shot was fumbled by the YMCA keeper into her own net, the conditions playing a part but a shot on target makes the keeper work and who knows what can happen. Anyway a goal is a goal and BU led 2-0.
The weather eased as the match progressed but little other goal mouth action occurred and with a couple of late substitutions BU closed the game out with a 2-0 win.
Anna had a good game, with a couple of fine saves, particularly in the first half, Shaz, Eva, Robyn and Maeve in defense, Allie and Gemma in centre midfield and Nisha, Rosie, Nicky America and Noeleen providing the width and attack.
Colleen and Jennifer came on late in the game.
Top of the table, waiting for the others to complete their games, here’s hoping results and score go in our favour.
Glentoran BU 2 YMCA 0
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Date: 30.07.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Mid Ulster Ladies
H / A: Away
Competition: League
Full Time: 1 - 5
Venue: Mid Ulster Sports Arena
Awaiting Report
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Date: 28.07.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Strikers
H / A: Home
Competition: IFA Cup quarter final
Full Time: 5 - 1
Venue: Billy Neill
Glens BU move into the last 4 of the Women's IFA Cup with an emphatic win over nearest rivals Newtownabbey Strikers. This was always going to be a fiercely contested match and it was dead locked 1-1 after full time.
The Glens upped the tempo of the game in extra time and took the game to the Strikers. The match swung the Glens way in extra time with goals from Stacey Hall, Laura Hislop, Nicky Ganter and to round it all off, none other than Kelly Bailie.
That said a contender for goal of the game was scored by Kimberly Turner in normal time who played an exceptional game and dedicated the win to her grandmother who passed away peacefully at the weekend.
Good luck to the girls in the next round and sympathy to Garth, Katherine and Kimberly, our thoughts are with you.
Glentoran BU 5 Strikers 1
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Date: 24.07.08
Squad: Reserve
Opponents: Strikers ll
H / A: Home
Competition: League
Full Time: 3 - 1
Venue: Billy Neill
Awaiting Report
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Date: 16.07.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Newtownabbey Strikers
H / A: Away
Competition: Semi final Div Cup
Full Time: 0 - 1
Venue: Jordanstown
Awaiting Report
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Date: 10.07.08
Squad: Reserve
Opponents: Linfield II
H / A: Home
Competition: League
Full Time: 4 - 1
Venue: Billy Neill
Recent meetings between BU and Linfield were starting to give the appearance of a bad Changing Rooms series, first a whitewash, then a pasteing, it wasn’t the BU house that was improving and Linfield were growing in confidence as each episode came along.
However the third episode was a somewhat different experience, who would be our Handy Andy and manufacture a result, who would be our Laurence Llewellyn Bowen and gracefully direct us to our goal, would Cheryl be Smiley Smylie?
Well, in a reprise of our early frailties Linfield took an early lead after BU had applied much pressure and had taken the game to Linfield, it appeared that the cracks were starting to reappear? Did we have a suitable filler?
Indeed as BU continued to dig in, almost like Garden Force, our reward was not long coming. Maggie controlled the ball and with a perfectly weighted pass put Colleen through. Colleen, continuing her rich purple patch, possibly a bit more earthy in tone than a normal purple (as Laurence would attest), slotted home with aplomb. 1-1 at half time and head and tails were up.
Could we continue to climb the step ladder to success or would the pasting table come out again?
Cheryl, showing signs that she could have a Smylie moment if thing continued to improve, rallied the girls for the second half. Pumped full of desire, fight and Jaffa cakes the girls started the second half with the urgency of Handy Andy needing to beat the clock.
With barely two minutes gone in the second half, Jo Jo decided it was time for a masterpiece to be unveiled. With not a sign of a makeshift move, now cobbling together of daft ideas to give a thin veneer of something, this was pure class. Beating a number on the right wing Jo Jo then launched a wonder strike from all of 30 yards (interior designers don’t talk metric!).and BU took an early and well deserved second half lead.
The team then continued to pull together and went forward pushing to emphasise their superiority in all departments. The cracks in defense were permanently filled, no papering over and the midfield started to control and direct the team. Noelene, returning after an 8 week break, had the tools to continue the job. Her trusty left foot rocked a pile driver past the Linfield keeper to take the girls into a 3-1 lead.
Were we heading to a victory, would we be able to finish the project within the time available, would it be a masterpiece? Up stepped Eva to give the answer, rising to meet ball she guided the ball high into the Linfield net for our fourth and as it turned out final goal.
A great overall performance, starting with Laura in goal giving an impressive and commanding performance that laid the foundations for the team to build on.
The defense became watertight as the match went on and Sharon, Eva, Donna, Gemma and Nicky O built on the good work they had started and came through in the end.
Lisa, Maggie, Alison and Ashleigh provided a sound midfield that directed and worked, unlike Laurence does, to give the ball forward for the finishing artists.
Jo Jo, Colleen and Noelene were able to provide the finishing touches to an overall display that worked from start to finish.
(I know that if you add up the number of players it’s over eleven, but substitutes were used!)
Jo Jo with her best performance so far for BU was the player of the game, she played well and her work was rewarded with a superb goal.
Cheryl was truly Smiley Smylie at the end.
Glentoran BU 4 Linfield 1
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Date: 08.07.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Ballymena
H / A: Home
Competition: League
Full Time: 6 - 2
Venue: Billy Neill
Glentoran moved into the 2nd half of the season with a convincing 6-2 home win against Ballymena. The game started like the first game of the season, with both teams seemingly cancelling each other out.
Glentoran got their first goal on 35 minutes. With Ballymena on the attack, Kelly Bailie picked up a lose ball on the left side of her own 18 yard box, and played a superb ball over the top for Laura Hislop. With the defence hesitating looking for offside, Hislop continued her run and blasted the opener past the keeper.
The 2nd came 5 minutes later, again, Ballymena were pushing forward, and again another ball over the top, this time for Nicky Ganter out on the right. Ganters first touch was excellent, and with the keeper coming out, Ganter coolly placed the ball through her legs for the Glens 2nd.
Glentoran BU started the 2nd half where they left off in the first, with a hat-trick for Catherine O'Hagan, and a superb long distant effort from Makyla Mulholland, all within 13 minutes of the restart. Ballymena got one back a minute later, after sloppy work in the Glentoran defence when they failed to clear their lines.
The next 10 minutes was Ballymena's best spell of the game. Glentoran seemed to take their foot of the pedal, and Ballymena took full advantage getting their 2nd on 69 minutes. Glentoran lifted their game again but were unable to convert any of their chances, and the game finished Glentoran 6 Ballymena 2.
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Date: 01.07.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Tollymore
H / A: Home
Competition: IFA Cup
Full Time: 7 - 0
Venue: Billy Neill
Report Unavailable
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Date: 26.05.08
Squad: Reserve
Opponents: Linfield ll
H / A: Away
Competition: Div Cup
Full Time: 3 - 1
Venue: Billy Neill
The rolling drumlins of Co. Down, the ones with their tops cut off at Billy Neill near Comber, was the venue for the Reserves in their quest for cup glory on Thursday night. The grounds were prepared and the girls appeared prepared to try and overturn the league result that saw Linfield win easily in a one sided encounter.
Lining out for BU were Anna in goals after a few weeks break, Donna, Gemma, Robyn and Michelle populated defence, Lisa, Eva, Nisha and Ashleigh were in midfield and Jo Jo and Colleen lead the attack.
The Reserve’s reserves were Shaz, Heather, Nicky O and Rachel
The Reserves have been a bit inconsistent in their form and this continued at Billy Neill. The girls have had some great performance, most notably against Strikers, YMCA and their second match against Ballymena, but these have been overshadowed somewhat by the Linfield defeat and last weeks loss at Raiders.
So the expanding support was hopeful that the strength would overcome the frailties that have sometimes showed.
Alas we were to be disappointed, lacking positive motivation from the start. Linfield started to control the game and despite some spirited performances and effort from the girls it was Linfield who showed a greater desire. BU found it difficult to move into the Linfield half for expended periods of the first half, and when they got out, the ball quickly came back and the midfield and defence were under pressure.
However the girls continued to try and a few attacks created chances but unfortunately luck was not on our side and they were not converted. We once again were caught out with a long ball just after the half hour, when the defence could cope with the more direct route. We went 1-0 down and without really settling after the loss of the goal Linfield quickly added a second. Half time 2-0 down, things not looking good and an early exit from the cup was looming.
After some jaffa cakes, jellybabies and some words of abrupt encouragement from the management, the second half started off with a more coherent and forceful approach from BU. The girls started to put together some good attacking moves and started to put Linfield under sustained pressure for the time in the game.
Reward was not far away and Colleen added to her impressive recent goal scoring form with a crisp shot from 18 yards that I wouldn’t have believed if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes! 2-1, a spirited comeback on the way?
Alas it was not to be, the girls fought hard but couldn’t convert any further chances and a headed free kick 15 minutes from time gave Linfield a 3-1 lead that proved decisive.
Anna had obviously been using her recent break to watch videos of Casillas and she managed to produce some fine saves throughout the game and especially later on to keep the girls in touch, but unfortunately going forward we were unable to have any more real impact and Linfield ran out 3-1 winners.
A disappointing game from the girls and an early cup exit that will not help them as the season progresses. Confidence in the Reserves is low and hopefully a return to winning ways in the League will help the girls to find their confidence and help improve the League position.
Lady of the night? Anna for her brave saves and overall performance.
Linfield 3 Glentoran BU 1
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Date: 26.06.08
Squad: Reserve
Opponents: Linfield II
H / A: Away
Competition: Div Cup
Full Time: 3 - 1
Venue: Billy Neill
Awaiting Report
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Date: 25.06.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Northland Raiders
H / A: Away
Competition: Div Cup
Full Time: 0 - 4
Venue: Londonderry Park
Glentoran started this back to back fixture against the Raiders where they left off the week before, scoring goals. Catherine O'Hagan was again the scourge of the Raiders defence scoring after only 10 minutes, from a well worked move down the left hand side. Kelly Bailie, played a lovely ball down line to Laura Hislop, who beat the defender and played a inch perfect ball for O'Hagan to slot home.
Again, as in the previous game, all the play was in the Raiders half, with the Northland keeper making great saves from Kim Turner, and Jessica Stephens. O'Hagan Got her 2nd goal after 14 minutes. She picked up a loose ball just outside the box, and with the keeper advancing, she superbly chipped her, leaving the keeper no chance.
The 2nd half was a bit of a non event, with Glentoran never really getting out of 2nd gear, but still able to totally control the game. 2 superb goals from Jessica Stephens were the highlight of the 2nd half. So Glentoran Ladies move into the next round of the divisional cup.
Northland Raiders 0 Glentoran BU 4
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Date: 19.06.08
Squad: Reserve
Opponents: Northland Raiders II
H / A: Away
Competition: League
Full Time: 2 - 1
Venue: Billy Neill
The Reserves were on their travels again, Comber one day, Newtownards the next. It gets more confusing when you arrive to find that you have a choice of venues, Newtownards, Neuton, or Baile Nua nah Arda, and we won’t even go there with Londonderry Park. The match was against Northland Raiders, whom the first team had comprehensively beaten a few days before.
Our touchline was almost packed, with numbers requiring more than two hands to count, word is getting out, and soon there will be admission charges.
The team was the subject of considerable rotation again, lining up were, Laura (German) in goal, defence of Shaz, Robyn, Alison and Michelle. Midfield of Gemma and Lisa and up front Colleen, Heather, Nisha and Ashley.
On the bench and raring to go were Nicky O, Jo Jo and Lisa.
The match started with BU applying pressure from the start and pushing the Northland girls back into defense and very little changed for most of the first half. We applied pressure down the left wing and Michelle spending most of her time retrieving the ball for throw ins or taking throw ins as the Northland girls repeatedly dispatched the ball into touch to relieve pressure.
However the pressure paid off in the middle of the half when we were awarded a free kick midway between the 18 yard box and half way line. Michelle floated the ball into the danger zone and Colleen rose majestically to glance home into the far corner. It was nothing more than the girls deserved and Colleen continued her rich vein of form that has now seen her net 4 in the last three games. The crowd went wild and Cheryl said ‘well done’.
Unfortunately that was as good as it got, the Northland girls then started to put together some good moves and were rewarded when a defensive slip allowed them in and despite Laura’s best efforts we went into half time 1-1.
As we prepared for the second half the storm clouds started to gather above us and we were rewarded with a cooling shower that managed to dampen our spirits, things were however about to get worse. Firstly we were aware of a spy from the Northland camp infiltrating our line, technical areas in Newtownards seem to be very large. In what could be best termed as a very poor disguise, namely a tracksuit that said Northland Raiders on it, he tried to find out our secret tactics and how best to counter them. Unfortunately a large toe was to be our downfall.
As the second half developed the stalemate continued and as a couple of the girls tired substitutions were made to both sides. Michelle and Heather came off and Nicky O came on in attack and Jo Jo slotted into right back. The defense was reorganised a bit but we never managed to regain the momentum. Gemma then came off shortly after with Lisa switching to left wing and Nisha moving into centre midfield.
The girls were all working hard but we weren’t flowing and the long ball tactic was ending up with more offsides than constructive attacks. Colleen had a couple of chances when she took her shots early and on each occasion hit the target only for the Northland keeper to make fine saves.
Unfortunately we fell victim to our own long ball tactic, when a long ball cleared our defense and Northland managed to convert and take the lead. It was a blow to the team, who had won the first half in effort, skill and chances, but were unable to make the difference in the final third.
The girls tried valiantly to redress the score, but to no avail and the Northland girls were pleased with their home win.
After last weeks controversial referee, this guy was an absolute delight. He explained his decisions to players, captains and coaches, there was no decent and the match flowed and was played in great spirit.
At the end of the game the referee was asked to name his BU ‘player of the game’ (can’t say man of the match). With respect he stood and looked around, gave a comment on the efforts of the team as a whole and narrowed it down to two, finally naming Nisha as the player of the game with Gemma a close second.
Well done to him and to the girls for a spirited, if unsuccessful, display.
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Date: 17.06.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Northland Raiders
H / A: Home
Competition: League
Full Time: 6 - 0
Venue: Billy Neill
Glentoran ladies continued their great start to the season with this convincing 6 - 0 home victory. Glentoran totally dominated the game from the start, and the breakthrough came 10 minutes into the game when Kelly Bailie scored direct from from a corner. Catherine O'Hagan got the first of her 3 goals 7 minutes later. Again it came from a corner. After a mighty scramble in the box, O'Hagan finally put the ball over the line, to make it 2-0.
The Glens layed siege on the Raiders goal for the rest of the first half, with O'Hagan completing her hatrick, with goals in the 32nd and 40th minutes. By the start of the 2nd half the game was over as a contest. Glentoran continued to dominate the proceedings, but the Raiders defence held strong until the final 10 minutes when Glentoran completed the rout with 2 late goals.
Glentoran BU 6 Northland Raiders 0
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Date: 12.06.08
Squad: Reserve
Opponents: Ballymena II
H / A: Home
Competition: League
Full Time: 4 - 2
Venue: Billy Neill
Once more the girls prepared themselves for battle against the young ladies of Ballymena. A home fixture, so the travel was only the whole way to Comber, handy if you are a potato.
The blue skies had made way for the more wintery grey that we are used to and the breeze picked up into a mild hurricane. Would this put our girls off, yes of course it would! The warm up was essential, especially as Ballymena hadn’t arrived, and Nicky America could be seen to be enjoying it. Her arms retracted into her shirt, her bobble hat, leggings, snow boots etc. giving the impression that she is probably more used to a slightly warmer climate, Banbridge.
So this week the team set up with Gemma (don’t worry you are in safe hands!) in defence Donna, Alison, Robyn and Michelle, in midfield Nisha and Lisa, and in attack Maeve, Nicky America, Colleen and Ashleigh.
Things didn’t start well, the wind caught the coin in the toss and we lost. As previous noted in correspondence this can have a traumatic effect on the team, as with YMCA last week. We crumbled under the pressure of losing the toss and quickly found ourselves 2 nil down, with a couple of wind assisted goals. But 2 nil it was and Ballymena were looking good.
However we steeled ourselves, after a few words of encouragement, and a few other words as well, the girls started to get to grips with the conditions and the opponents. Colleen had brought along her running and shooting boots and we found the weakness in the Ballymena defence, a long ball over the top caught the Ballymena girls out on two occasions and in both cases Colleen ran on and finished well. Having trebled her season tally, confidence was starting to flow through the team.
Nisha was battling in midfield and decided to run straight through but was tackled heavily by a Ballymena defender. Nisha was winded and after a few moments of treatment she had to be substituted.
But we should not have worried, remember Beckham against Wimbledon those many years ago or Alonso against Luton, well we have our own now, from what seemed like half way in our own half Alison perfectly placed a shot long, high and straight into the top corner!! Well actually a long speculative punt was completely missed by the Ballymena goalkeeper who fumbled the ball into the net. But in football you make your own luck, we did and we deserved it.
We continued to push and after a couple of other missed opportunities we were rewarded in the final minute with a free kick on the right. Making the keeper work in these conditions is always important and this was the case, unfortunately for Ballymena it was the keeper’s day off. Noelene hit a curling free kick in to the danger area, it may have taken a fortuitous bounce, but it sailed over the keepers head into the net. 4-2. and a good victory and three more points.
Shaz made an appearance towards the end and as always was solid in defence.
4-2 to GBU, hard fought at the start, but persistence and skill paid off in the end.
Glentoran BU 4 Ballymena 2
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Date: 11.06.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Linfield
H / A: Away
Competition: League
Full Time: 0 - 2
Venue: Billy Neill
Report Unavailable
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Date: 05.06.08
Squad: Reserve
Opponents: Y.M.C.A. II
H / A: Away
Competition: League
Full Time: 1 - 7
Venue: Riverside Stadium
On the beautiful banks of the River Faughan, in the shadow of the Riverside Stadium at Drumahoe and in a swarm of midges, the Glentoran Belfast United Reserves once more went into battle against the young ladies from the YMCA. Concern was expressed about the M in YMCA, but it can be confirmed that these M’s were in fact W’s.
All the BU girls managed to survive the safari from Belfast over the Glenshane Pass, the team and the pack mules seemed to be a bit tired but after a rub down with a wet leaf the team were up and ready to play.
Some early success in any game is always important and BU got off to a flying start winning the toss. Expertly chosen by Captain Nisha Durnien, we understand she wisely chose heads, and against the run of play and in difficult conditions it proved to be the winning choice. The captain of YMCA was gutted, she had been successful in the toss for a number of games and she took the loss to heart. It could be seen as the match progressed how she began to doubt all the decisions she had to make after such a poor start to proceedings. The importance of winning the toss is sometimes underplayed, but for BU, a win is a win, and winning the toss set the whole team up for the start of the main event.
The referee for the match was a sprightly fellow as opposed to the normal less than athletic models we are used to. He was noticeable by his absence from the proceeding, always a good sign.
The crowd gathered for the pre match entertainment of watching two local mongrels add to the over population of their non specific species, an unusual entertainment for a league match. Tension built and the match kicked off.
Lining up in a 1-10 format just prior to kick off to try and confuse the opposition, BU quickly fell into shape after a few words of encouragement from the line.
Lining up in front of keeper Anna, in defence we had Donna, Alison, Robyn and Michelle in midfield were Allie and Nisha and in attack, and looking hungry, were Maeve, Nicky O, Nicky America and Colleen.
The line was controlled by Cheryl and Shaz and the traveling sub and expert lineswoman was Jacko.
The traveling support was too numerous to mention, but mention of Wes, Valerie and Alan would in fact cover the majority of the supporters.
Picture the scene, two teams, trained to within an inch of their lives, motivated to perform their best by ‘Captain Tim Collins’ like rousing ‘call to battle’ speeches from their captains, set for a contest of brains and brawn on the battlefield of soccer, only one would win, unless of course it was a draw.
The ball was kicked off and very quickly the team had to come to terms with the speed of YMCA. The girls were generally younger than our ‘ladies’ and they showed considerable skill and speed throughout the match.
As the first half developed we started to take control of the midfield and managed to start to spread the play. After a period of pressure and a number of excellent corners from Allie the deadlock was broken. A corner from the right wing was swung into the goal mouth and after Colleen had intentionally knocked the ball forward with her buttock, Maeve was there at the left post to knock the ball home.
We started to take a bit more control and again from another corner Robyn rose majestically to fire home a great header to make it two nil for BU.
We were pinning the YMCA girls back into defence and their counter attacks were generally snuffed out, with a couple of exceptions. However Anna wasn’t troubled at any stage in the first half, except from our own back passes!!
The third goal came with Nicky America latching on to a through ball and burying the ball into the bottom corner. Nicky America added a fourth before the half time break.
As we kicked off for the second half the visiting support was swelled by a further 25% with the arrival of another supporter, the chanting from the crowd was almost audible.
It was the time for the ‘big’ players to make an impact and with a perfectly placed free kick being bent in from the left, Nick O raised herself to her full height and nodded the ball in for a 5 nil lead.
BU girls were now comfortable but we started to allow the feisty YMCA girls to start to play a bit more and to attack us. In one of the forward moves a ball down their right was taken up by two of their girls attacking Michelle down the flank. Michelle, committed as ever in the tackle, decided to dispatch both girls over the dead ball line, and then kicked the ball. The referee however seemed to think that taking both players before the ball was in some way against the rule of the game and surprisingly awarded a penalty. A completely unfair decision, no one was killed and indeed there wasn’t even any blood. YMCA stood up and converted well.
1-5 to us, but we didn’t collapse under the renewed pressure and a further goal from Nicky America to round off an excellent hat trick and a late goal from Colleen to guarantee her lift home, ensured a comfortable and hardworking victory. Jacko came on towards the end to replace Nicky O, the referee was obviously upset to have lost his able assistant, but he managed to survive.
So an all round good performance from the girls, Donna particularly pleased with her three points!
YMCA 1 Glentoran BU 7
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Date: 03.06.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Strikers
H / A: Home
Competition: League
Full Time: 3 - 3
Venue: Billy Neill
Report Unavailable
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Date: 22.05.08
Squad: Reserve
Opponents: Strikers ll
H / A: Away
Competition: League
Full Time: 0 - 1
Venue: Jordanstown
Report Unavailable
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Date: 21.05.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Predators
H / A: Away
Competition: League
Full Time: 2 - 3
Venue: Ashfield Boys School
Glentoran ladies were knocked back on their heels when the Predators took a surprise lead after only 4 mins. A ball played in from the right was met on the head by the incoming forward who placed it in the bottom right corner of the net. This surprise start rattled the Glens ladies, and in the early stages couldn't get their game going.
But after 15 minutes the midfield started to get hold of the game and the tide turned. Good work down the left wing by O'Hagan found Hislop in the box and she slotted home from 8 yards. Hislop scored her 2nd goal against her former club 10 mins later, to leave Glens BU 1-2 up at halftime.
BU controlled the 2nd half although you always felt that the Predators were never out of it, and so it proved, as on the hour, Preds midfielder picked up a lose ball just inside the Glens half carried it forward 10 yards and hit a wonderful shot into the top right hand corner of the BU goal.
Predators seemed too happy with a draw and were wasting a lot of time. But you can never rest on your laurels against this Glens team, as they pushed for the winner, and what a winner it was. Glentoran BU were awarded a free kick 10 yards outside the box, up stepped the ever reliable Kelly Bailie to hit an unstoppable shot into the top left hand corner. After that the result was never in doubt, and Glentoran BU continued their good start to the season.
Predators 2 Glentoran BU 3
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Date: 15.05.08
Squad: Reserve
Opponents: Linfield ll
H / A: Away
Competition: League
Full Time: 4 - 1
Venue: Billy Neill
Report Unavailable
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Date: 13.05.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Mid Ulster
H / A: Home
Competition: League
Full Time: 3 - 1
Venue: Billy Neill
Glentoran Belfast United had to work right until the final minutes to earn a well deserved, but hard earned 3 points against newly promoted Mid Ulster. The Glens started brightly, creating a flurry of chances and corners, but were unable to convert any of them. Mid Ulster took a surprise lead after 10 mins, with their first attack into the Glens territory. Mid Ulster finished of a good move down the right hand side earning them a corner. A well placed corner to the back post found the incoming forward, who powered a header beyond the Glens keeper.
Glentoran Belfast United continued to dominate the first half but the hard working Mid Ulster defence kept the Glens attack at bay. The 2nd half continued as the first half, with Glentoran Belfast United doing all the attacking, but still no breakthrough.
15 minutes into the 2nd half, head coach Cheryl Lamont moved Maggie Tolan up front, and within minutes Glens got their equaliser. Good work on the left from Kelly Bailie, resulted in an excellent cross that found the head of Tolan, who scored from 6 yards.
The Glens pushed on for the winner, but efforts from Laura Hislop, and Catherine O'Hagan couldn't beat the solid Mid Ulster keeper. With only 3 mins left, Kelly Bailie picked up a lose ball on the left and 10 yards inside the visitors half, she hit a long looping ball into the box which deceived the keeper and nestled in the corner of the net. A minute later Laura Hislop completed the scoring with a superb shot from the edge of the box leaving the keeper rooted to the spot.
Glentoran BU 3 Mid Ulster 1
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Date: 08.05.08
Squad: Reserve
Opponents: Northland Raiders ll
H / A: Home
Competition: League
Full Time: 1 - 0
Venue: Billy Neill
Report Unavailable
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Date: 06.05.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Fermanagh Mallards
H / A: Home
Competition: League
Full Time: 5 - 0
Venue: Billy Neill
Report Unavailable
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Date: 01.05.08
Squad: Reserve
Opponents: Ballymena ll
H / A: Away
Competition: League
Full Time: 2 - 0
Venue: Showgrounds
Report Unavailable
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Date: 30.04.08
Squad: First
Opponents: Ballymena
H / A: Away
Competition: League
Full Time: 0 - 2
Venue: Showgrounds
Glentoran BU opened the defence of their title with a tough away game to Ballymena. With both teams up for the first game of the season it turned out to be a dour hard fought game. Not much football was played in the first half with both teams cancelling each other out, although the Glens ladies always looked in control.
The 2nd half was better fare, with the Glens upping the tempo and totally dominating the game, especially down the flanks with Rose Todd on the right and Laura Hislop on the left supplying crosses for Catherine O'Hagan in the middle.
Catherine O'Hagan finally broke the deadlock scoring both goals, the first halfway through the 2nd half and the 2nd 10 minutes later.
Ballymena 0 Glentoran BU 2
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