This weekend saw the return of our girls’ academy teams as they compete in their respective leagues. Take a look at the coaches’ reports to find out how the teams got on.
U14 White
Larne 9-4 Cliftonville
The U14s produced an all-round great performance this weekend, showing the brilliant skills and team spirit amongst the squad. Throughout the game, the team applied a lot of pressure, chasing down loose balls and getting at the opposition’s defence.
Alongside an impressive attacking display, the team kept their shape for the most part and held off most Cliftonville attacks, but the eagerness to score left the team vulnerable and resulted in four goals conceded.
POTM: Poppy and Daisy
2014 red
Larne v Ballyclare
A great performance by the Inver Reds saw them win 2-0, with some new additions the team stuck together and held formation from the get-go, creating excellent chances and gaining some valuable minutes and experience along the way.
Ellie McDowell quickly put the team ahead with a goal, resulting in a half-time lead. For the remainder of the game, Larne closed Ballyclare out with the opposition keeper making some excellent saves. To round things off, Sophie Aiston scored from close via a set-piece to see the team to victory.
POTM: Ellie McDowell
2012
Larne vs Rosario
The 2012 squad faced strong opposition at the weekend, but the performance showed vast improvements from pre-season. With fitness, physicality and retention of the ball all being well improved throughout the team, there remains plenty to work on but overall, lots of positives to take.
POTM: Sofia Hamill and Avannah McNally
2011
Larne vs Berlin Swifts
Larne were a bit slow to start the game this weekend, but once the team got past second gear they began to play some excellent football, proving to be strong on and off the ball. Abbie was able to hold the midfield well with Karis making quick passes to Luci and Gemma who delivered several great crosses.
Charlie and Roo were excellent in defence, with Macy contributing a superb performance in goal. After half-time the team were able to line-up more channels of attack by holding the ball at their feet.
An exciting start to the season overall, with plenty of chances created by the team.
U10 SBYL
Larne vs Bloomfield
In their first game in the SBYL, our 2012 team had a very positive start to the season. With some well worked goals, the team kept their shape and didn’t once lower their work ethic. Every player played their part and showcased their ability.
POTM: Devone O’Toole and Leah Lynas
U16/U17
Larne 7-3 Belfast Swifts
The first game of the season for our U16/17 team was a positive one, with the squad showing off some great quality in some areas, while also showcasing other areas which can be improved on in training and future games.
After creating several chances, Larne finally found the back of the net with a thunderous strike by Mia, before doubling their lead soon after. Leading at the break, it was much of the same for the Inver Reds with Mia and Alix working hard to get another goal each.
A brief period of lapsing in concentration resulted in the Swifts scoring two goals in quick succession. The opposition then threw everything they had at the Larne defence in order to continue navigating their way back into the game, but it finished 7-3. Despite missing a lot of chances, the girls can still take this result as a massive win and find ways to improve going forward.
POTM: Cara Noble and Mia O’Flaherty
U19 SBYL
Larne 6-0 Aquinas
In this first game for what is a new age group, the squad for our fixture against Aquinas was a mixture of youth and more experienced players, with the aim being to see how they would come together and perform. In the first half the team played a very direct and possession-based style of football, showing their strength and quality on the ball.
Leading by half-time, Larne further strengthened in the second half and cut out any mistakes which had occurred in the first period. The team continued to take their time on the ball and ran out deserved winners.
POTM: Rachel Robinson and Mia Snoddy
