Railway Union 4 (Jean McDonnell 3, Kate O'Flynn) Glenanne 1 (Ciara Nugent)Railway shook off the cobwebs to emphatically confirm their title credentials with Jean McDonnell giving three more reasons why she is the most feared attacker in the league.
She opened the scoring with a reverse-flick after Emma Smyth's left-wing incision. Ciara Nugent levelled from the spot after a crude Railway tackle but from then on the flow of the game was predominantly in the direction of the Glen's goal.
McDonnell made it 2-1 after spectacular first-time turn with the ball in the circle in the 22nd minute. Her shot was slightly fortunate, clipping a defender on its way in, but she deserved the goal for her initial control that sent two defenders completely the wrong way.
From there, Railway had a wealth of chances, McDonnell hitting the post early in the second half and drawing a top save from Susan Byrne after another sublime piece of skill down the left wing.
Glenanne still had a threat on the break, Helen Stevenson required on one occasion to race off her line to deny Nicci Daly and were still in with a chance as Railway spurned opportunities.
Smyth went close while six second half corners went a begging before McDonnell made the game safe, needing just two touches from Isobel Joyce's sideline hit from the left to spin clear of the defence and clip home before Kate O'Flynn swept in a fourth.
The win sees Railway move seven points clear with six games to go. It means they need four wins from their last six games to pick up the title. For Glenanne, it makes their outside chance at an IHL spot more remote.
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12 comments:
Jean McDonnell is unstoppable
Surely the Irish set-up should have a look at McDonnell. Her all round game is good and lets face it we could be doing with a few goals.
The last thing the Irish set-up needs is attitued, when you represent your country, it is not good enough to be just a good player.
raillers for life xxxxxxxoooxxx
judging by railway's current defensive form, scoring a goal against them is almost a guarantee. so much for all these clean sheets we were heading about at the start of the season!
An interesting point that their defence may be weakening slightly but if there is a problem it is only relative.
Clean sheets against Belfast Harlequins (IHL) and UCC (ISC) while still only four conceded in 12 league games does not really suggest a deluge.
I think the majority would agree that Jean is not 'just a good player', Anon. You sound bitter. She is unbelievably talented and brings out the best in the girls she plays with. Should be in the Irish set up for sure.
Anon I couldn't disagree with you more:
"The last thing the Irish set-up needs is attitude"
The Irish set up could really do with some attitude. McDonnell is a winner, has a great attitude and inspires through her application, work rate and talent.
It is strange that Railway don't have any internationals. Smyth is one of the best female players around.
It's discraceful that Jean McDonnell isn't in the Irish team. She's clearly the best striker in Leinster at the moment and definetly deserves a shot at International level. Emma Smyth also deserves to be in the set up too.
Can you support your 'attitude' comment please anon?
very quiet from the Glens. Two losses in row now! Bray could be hot on your heels soon having yet to play Trinity!
How is Jean McDonnell being overlooked at international level. It is an absolute farce. She has come on leaps and bounds over the past number of seasons and deserves her shot at senior caps. I coached Jean a numbefr of years ago and she has a fiesty atitude but is bent on winning, scoring goals and being successful. She has consistently got overlooked at all age levels for whatever reason and in fact she is an immensely talented player and just because she is not 100% a 'yes person' does not mean she cannot be given a chance. She is a good person, lots of fun to be around and deserves to be taken seriously by Muller.
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