This weekend saw the opening game of the season for Holloway Gaels, taking on Fulham Irish in the first round of the London Ladies Senior League. It also marked the first home game played on Holloway’s new home grounds at Downhills Park N17.
Fulham were first to get on the scoreboard after the throw-in but Holloway soon replied with a well taken free by centre forward Caroline Hanley. Fulham were quicker to settle and followed up with three successive points. Another point from Hanley followed before a penalty for Fulham was brilliantly saved by Holloway keeper Aisling Judge and Holloway looked like they were settling into the game with some excellent defensive play from Holloway backs Aoife Donnelly and Brenda Murtagh. However Fulham continued to break through to secure a few more scores before half time – leading Fulham Irish 0-7 Holloway Gaels 0-3.
The second half saw a more determined Holloway team back onto the field. While Fulham had a string of wides, Holloway worked hard and a powerful burst from Aoife Donnelly in the backs resulted in a point for Holloway by Cliona Twohig. A goal from Fulham brought them right back into the game but again Holloway’s determination did not yield and responded with a goal from Sheila Walsh. However ultimately it was no match for a stronger Fulham side who fired home another goal and several more points to secure their victory. Holloway fought to the final whistle, breaking through the Fulham defence for one more goal, proving there is still plenty more to come from Holloway this season. Final score Fulham Irish 2-12 Holloway Gaels 2-5.
Fulham were first to get on the scoreboard after the throw-in but Holloway soon replied with a well taken free by centre forward Caroline Hanley. Fulham were quicker to settle and followed up with three successive points. Another point from Hanley followed before a penalty for Fulham was brilliantly saved by Holloway keeper Aisling Judge and Holloway looked like they were settling into the game with some excellent defensive play from Holloway backs Aoife Donnelly and Brenda Murtagh. However Fulham continued to break through to secure a few more scores before half time – leading Fulham Irish 0-7 Holloway Gaels 0-3.
The second half saw a more determined Holloway team back onto the field. While Fulham had a string of wides, Holloway worked hard and a powerful burst from Aoife Donnelly in the backs resulted in a point for Holloway by Cliona Twohig. A goal from Fulham brought them right back into the game but again Holloway’s determination did not yield and responded with a goal from Sheila Walsh. However ultimately it was no match for a stronger Fulham side who fired home another goal and several more points to secure their victory. Holloway fought to the final whistle, breaking through the Fulham defence for one more goal, proving there is still plenty more to come from Holloway this season. Final score Fulham Irish 2-12 Holloway Gaels 2-5.