Dominant first half performance enough for Glen

Glen 2-18 ... Newbridge 2-05

Annie NíLochlainn was in scintillating form on Friday evening, firing over 0-12 to lead Glen to a commanding 2-18 to 2-5 win over Newbridge in a key Group B clash at Watty Graham Park.

From the outset, the hosts were in control, laying the groundwork for victory in a dominant first-half performance.

Glen raced into a 2-10 to 1-1 lead at the break, with goals from Cara Mallon and Catherine McKenna giving them a cushion that Newbridge never looked likely to erase.

While their attack was relentless, Glen’s defensive display was equally impressive, marshalled superbly by Rebecca Kirkpatrick.

Every player in the backline contributed to a disciplined and organised performance that snuffed out Newbridge’s attacking threats.

Newbridge fought gamely after the interval, but they never truly got a foothold in the game as NíLochlainn continued to keep the scoreboard ticking for the hosts.

Sinead Mulholland was a consistent presence from placed balls for the visitors, while Rebecca Bradley impressed with her work rate and quality in possession.

Glen started with intent and had a 1-4 advantage by the 17th minute, with Mallon raising the first green flag after a NíLochlainn free dropped short and caused confusion in the Newbridge defence. That goal coming just as Newbridge were dealt a blow with fullback Claire McCartney retiring injured. At the other end, the visitors were finding it impossible to break through Glen’s resolute defence. With Claire McGroggan offering a superb outlet, Glen transitioned from defence to attack with ease.

Mulholland eventually got Newbridge off the mark with a free, but Glen stepped it up a gear in the final 10 minutes of the first half. McKenna and NíLochlainn were outstanding in the forward line, their movement and accuracy proving too much to handle. The pair combined to punish a poor puck-out, with McKenna capitalising clinically for Glen’s second goal on 21 minutes.

Further points followed from McKenna, NíLochlainn and Ciara Mulholland, extending Glen’s lead to 15 points. Newbridge found a glimmer of hope just before the break when Erin Stinson netted, leaving the score 2-10 to 1-1 at half time.

Glen were mindful of past complacency - despite leading Newbridge by 19 at half time in a league fixture earlier this season, they only won that game by five in the end - and they knew they needed to maintain intensity, and although Sinead Mulholland opened the second half scoring with a free, Glen responded with three quickfire points, including one from Aoife Curran.

Newbridge’s best spell came between the 41st and 49th minutes when they hit three unanswered points—two from Sinead Mulholland and one from Jemma Shivers. They could have closed the gap further, but Glen goalkeeper Laura Coyle made two crucial saves to deny what looked like certain goals.

Rebecca Bradley did eventually find the net for Newbridge with nine minutes to go, but NíLochlainn ensured there would be no dramatic comeback as she fired over four more points to seal a comfortable 13-point win for the home side.

READ NEXT: Slaughtneil march on with win over Kevin Lynch's

With Lavey and Swatragh playing out a draw, Glen now top Group B after round one. However, they are well aware that tougher tests await, starting with county champions Swatragh in round 2. As for Newbridge, they must regroup quickly with crucial games against Lavey and Swatragh still to come.

Teams & Scorers

Glen: A NiLochlainn 0-12 (6f, 2 ’45), C McKenna 1-3, C Mallon 1-0, Ciara Mulholland 0-2, A Curran 0-1.

Newbridge: S Mulholland 0-4 (f), E Stinson and R Bradley 1-0 each, J Shivers 0-1.

Glen: Laura Coyle; Dearbhla McGuckian, Sorcha Higgins, Nuala Convery; Lisa Porter, Rebecca Kirkpatrick, Aoife McGuckian; Catherine McKenna, Ciara Mulholland; Claire McGroggan, Caoimhe Mulholland, Aoife Curran; Catherine McKenna, Annie NíLochlainn, Cara Mallon.

Newbridge: Naoimh Mulholland; Eve Bradley, Claire McCartney, Kristin O’Connor; Aoibheann Hutchinson, Aoife McGlone, Darcie Murphy; Rebecca Bradley, Jemma Shivers; Lauren Crozier, Dervla Stinson, Emer Stinson; Tiegan Rocks, Sinead Mulholland, Niamh Gaven.

Subs: Sarah Gribben for McCartney (10), Cailin McKeever for E Bradley (32), Grainne McGuckin for Rocks and fGrace Darragh or O’Connor (both 58), Caitlin McGuckin for Hutchinson (59).