Castledawson was the setting for a clash of two cities in the fourth round of the Electric Ireland Junior Schools’ Cup.
Belfast’s Hazelwood College took on St Cecilia’s from Derry-Londonderry at Moyola Park’s ground – and it was a real ding-dong battle in the under-15 contest.
The Derry girls got off to a blistering start with Caoirsa Dorty picking the ball up in her own box and running the length of the pitch before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.
It didn’t take long before Hazelwood were back in the game after a superb shot deflected into the net off one of the St Cecilia’s defenders.
Both teams created numerous chances with their quick passing and excellent movement.
Hazelwood really piled on the pressure 10 minutes before the break, scoring three in quick succession, with the pick of the bunch being a 25-yard strike from captain Holly Otter.
Despite being behind at half-time, St Cecilia’s began the second half on the front foot with striker Aoibhe O’Neil quickly pulling two goals back.
From that point the goals started flying in for both teams in an exciting end to end game.
Heading into the last 15 minutes the score was tied at 6 -6 and both teams were giving everything to try and get into the next round.
Eventually, five minutes before the end, Aoibhe O’Neil scored from close range to give St Cecilia’s the lead. And her effort was closely followed by two more superb goals by the St Cecilia’s side, who ran out 9-6 winners.
