O’Connors Park, Waterford hosted a glorious game of football today, with drama, tension and a hat full of goals.

While the final result didn’t go Mooncoins way there were loads to be proud of as the girls fought back from 1-3 down, to make it 3-3 with 5 minutes to go only for a very dubious looking goal to break the deadlock but not the hearts of this very strong Mooncoin team.

The first 20 minutes of this match was very even with chances had and missed at both ends. Then one through ball had a Villa girl in the clear and she knocked the ball into the net.

Mooncoin had a chance and then just before half time from a tame enough throw-in Villa went 2 up.

Some changes were made at half time, well in fact there had to be as Mooncoin had a whooping 17 players in the squad today. This is a great testiment to the girls commitment to the cause no matter what the recent results have been.

5 minutes into the 2nd and a great tackle and pass from Elle, a pass from Ciara and Emily Blackmore put the ball in the net. 2-1 game on. Then more or less straight from the kick off Villa pushed through the middle of the pitch and got a shot towards the goal and it was 3-1.

No worries the Mooncoin girls kept battling away and from a great pass from Georgia, Emily checkly chipped the keeper. 3-2 game fully on. The ball ebbed and flowed from one half to another, Villa hit the crossbar and then debutant Molly Long, made a pass Emily was through and in a flash the ball was in the net. Cue wild celebrations on the Mooncoin sideline, some swear that Catherine Blackmore touched a passing cloud when she jumped so high.

Now the pressure was on, 5 minutes to go and the Villa pushed forward, and got a few chances and put one away, 4-3.

From the kick-off Mooncoin fought back. They got a corner and everyone pushed forward and Molly got a shot off but the Villa keeper made a good save.

Back down towards the Mooncoin goal and with the last kick of the ball Villa made it 5-3.

At the final whistle there was a little sadness, but this was an epic game today. When we went down , we never stopped and clawing it back to 3 all was a reward that was fully deserved. Although we didn’t hang on to the draw till full time , full credit to the girls who battled and never saw defeat.

It’s been a joy to see these girls compete for the first time this year, the team are enjoying themselves and the coaches too and for sure these girls will keep coming back .