Menton proud of players despite final defeat

Athlone Community College coach Edel Menton felt Athenry’s second goal – which arrived deep in first-half added time - was a crucial factor in her team’s defeat in last week’s FAI Schools Junior Girls National Cup final.

Menton was proud of her team who lost out due to a couple of spectacular goals from Presentation College, Athenry.

“We didn’t play as well as we could have, but we were very unlucky. Six or seven extra minutes were played in the first half, that was a blow to us,” said Menton, who questioned where the officials found the additional time from.

“We could have got an equaliser, but there’s no doubt we’ll be back again,” she continued.

Athlone CC did respond in the second half and reduced the deficit to 2-1, and maybe they would have scored an equaliser if they had more time.

“We created loads of good chances and Ciara Walsh’s goal was well taken. Hazel (Donegan) and Caoilfhinn (Brett) were good up top and were threatening. With a few extra minutes, we could have got an equaliser, but I suppose it was not to be for us this time,” said Edel.

Both of Athenry’s goals were spectacular efforts from distance. “There was nothing our keeper (Ella Naughton) could have done for the two goals - it's disappointing,” said Edel.

“They had key players in Abbie Duffy and Mollie Noone but I think we contained them very well. We were missing Rebecca Keenan (injured) and she was replaced by a second-year student Lily Finneran from the start.”

In addition, influential ACC centre-half Aoife Walsh has been returning to match fitness after an ACL injury.

Overall, this was a successful year for Athlone CC and they should look back on a year of achievement rather than feeling frustration over the outcome of last week’s final.

“Two Leinster cups, still in the league, a great year for girls’ soccer in our school. Hopefully we can drive on and use this heartbreak in next year’s campaign. No doubt the girls will be back again,” said Menton.

“The seniors lost to Presentation Thurles on penalties and they beat Buncrana in the All-Ireland final, that shows the fine margins. I suppose to be within a whisker of two All-Ireland ‘A’ cups is no mean feat,” added Edel, who was very thankful for the big support ACC had at the final last week.

*See match report and photos in this week's Westmeath Independent.