Football: Mid Ulster Ladies start season with big win over Derry

Mid Ulster Ladies are pictured with the McCarragher family

The newly promoted visitors boasted former Mid Ulster player Aoife Curran in their ranks and the home team knew that this was going to be a tough opening fixture.

A minute’s silence in memory of Mid Ulster player Lesley Ann McCarragher was impeccably observed prior to kick off and then it was down to the business in hand.

After an end to end start, Mid Ulster’s Sarah Connolly delivered a great cross which debutant Rebecca Bassett directed over the line.

Derry were next on the score sheet. From an in-swinging corner delivery the ball struck Bassett’s back and diverted into her own net.

The stalemate didn’t last for too long as Samantha Kelly had a strike from 30 yards that nestled in the top corner. Further Mid Ulster pressure saw a Chloe McCarron free kick test Derry ‘keeper Mollie McBride.

Mid Ulster extended their lead when McCarron found Connolly on the edge of the box. With work still to do, Connolly unleashed a great shot.

Minutes later the game was all but over as McCarron got reward for her night’s work. A free kick 25 yards out in a central position and McCarron struck it sweetly to leave the home team 4-1 to the good.

Derry needed an early goal to have any chance of a comeback and they got their desire with five minutes played when Niamh Connolly’s shot eluded Megan Ferson in the Mid Ulster goal.

With their tails up the visitors enjoyed a spell of pressure and the Mid Ulster back line of had to be on their toes to keep the score as it was.

As the half wore on Mid Ulster began to stamp their authority on the game once more and were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty with Cathy Rees and Sarah Connolly getting some rough treatment in the Derry box.

On her senior debut for the club Megan Ferson demonstrated maturity beyond her years and made two superb saves in the second period.

The club wish to thank the McCarragher family for attending and also a big thanks to the many supporters who attended and contributed to the collection for NI Air Ambulance fund in memory of Lesley Ann McCarragher.

Next up is a trip to Castlederg on 27 April to face Sion Swifts at 7.30pm.