Welcome to Seaview - Home of the Hatchetmen

This was a keenly fought game in which neither team could lay claim to dominating possession. Instead, the patterns of play were broken, they revolved mainly around rushed or pressurised decision-making and the long ball tactic out of a tightly packed and keenly contested midfield. The game was also reduced to 80 mins by the referee to reflect failing light. Crusaders sorely missed Danielle McDowell in central midfield (she was a late withdrawal due to illness) while Cliftonville were also a much weakened side due to the impact of the volcanic ash cloud on the return of some of their key players from the UK. That said, the game was well contested and the final scoreline and outcome belied a much closer 80 minutes. The first clear breakthrough in the game did not arise until 28’ when Crusaders’ stirker, Claire Carson’s overhead shot was mishandled by the stand-in Cliftonville keeper to leave Crusaders leading 1-0 at halftime. This score enabled Crusaders to restore some much needed control over the game because undoubtedly the competitiveness and determination exhibited by Cliftonville midfielders, Nicky Carlin (captain), Martine Power and Marissa Callaghan, unsettled Crusaders’ ability to build from solid patterns of retained quality possession.

The second half was barely 1 minute old when Cliftonville misdirected a header from an excellent left-wing cross. A second unconverted chance was created by them two minutes later which lifted their spirits and made for a subsequently highly competitive and tense 20 minute period in the second half. During this time, Crusaders replaced striker Emma Murray with defender Debbie McCarthy on 50’ and they made related positional changes in order to retain more possession. This resulted in a wonderfully created chance from the right wing which failed to be converted by Helen McKenna in front of goal on 56’. Equally, Cliftonville created two chances in this period and they were in fact the first to score in the second half when Crusaders substitute Debbie McCarthy was deemed to have handled the ball in the square. Cliftonville captain Nicky Marlin duly converted on 73’ to leave the scoreline 1-1 with 8 minutes to go. Crusaders responded by reapplying themselves in midfield and this effort was duly rewarded on 77’ when right midfielder Lynsey Patterson capitalised on a wonderful long ball over the top from their captain Nadine Murphy to put them one goal ahead with 3 minutes to go. Crusaders closed out the game in time added on when Helen McKenna scored on 81’ from an assist by Claire Carson. Two yellow cards were issued to Crusaders’ players Nicole Connolly and Sara Booth in the second half. Overall, the poor quality pitch undoubtedly detracted from the ability of both teams to play a high standard of football but credit must go to newly promoted Cliftonville in particular for matching if not exceeding Crusaders in terms of competitive spirit and forcing the latter to earn a hard fought victory. This result leaves Crusaders top of the league and ahead of Glentoran BU on goal difference after four games. Crusaders’ next fixture could have a crucial impact on the final outcome of the league when they play third placed Ballymena United AllStars who have conceded only three goals in their last four matches, their last result being a 1-0 loss to Glentoran. Kick off on 12th May (Crusaders vs Ballymena) is at 7.30pm at the Valley Leisure Centre. Spectators should note this change of home venue due to the relaying of the artificial surface at Crusaders’ FC home ground at Seaview.

Report by: Dr Katie Liston

Goal Scorers

Cliftonville Ladies

Nikki Carlin (1)

Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers

Lyndsey Patterson (1)
Helen McKenna (1)
Clare Carson (1)