Spa Senior Ladies are through to the Kerry Credit Unions Donal Curtin Cup Division 2 League Final after producing a determined second-half comeback to overcome Glenflesk by 1-8 to 0-9 in an entertaining semi-final played in glorious conditions in Spa on Monday evening.
With the pitch in excellent condition and a large crowd in attendance, the sides served up a competitive and closely contested encounter, with Spa showing tremendous character to overturn a three-point half-time deficit and secure their place in next Monday's final.
Glenflesk settled quickest and opened the scoring before Liadh Tobin responded with a well-taken point from play to level matters. Spa enjoyed plenty of possession during the opening quarter and created several promising opportunities, but were unable to fully capitalise despite some excellent approach play.
Saoirse Kelly edged Spa in front with a converted free after Glenflesk were penalised under the new retreat rule, with the visitors replying in similar fashion shortly afterwards as both teams adjusted to the recently introduced rule. Kelly added another free to restore Spa's advantage, again following a retreat infringement.
However, Glenflesk finished the half strongly. Finding their rhythm, they registered four unanswered points, three from play and one free, to take control of the contest. Spa came agonisingly close to finding the net when Mairead Bennett's superb effort struck the post, but Glenflesk held their advantage to lead 0-6 to 0-3 at the break.
Spa emerged for the second half with renewed purpose. An early point from Mairead Bennett, followed by a Meghann Cronin free, reduced the deficit to a single point and lifted both the players and the home support. Although Glenflesk stretched their lead back to two with another free, the decisive moment arrived midway through the half.
A powerful run from Meghann Cronin opened up the Glenflesk defence before she picked out Ava Brosnan, who finished brilliantly to the net for the game's only goal. Brosnan followed up shortly after with an excellent point from play to swing the momentum firmly in Spa's favour and open up a two-point lead.
To their credit, Glenflesk never gave up and responded with two converted frees to draw level once again, setting up a tense finale.
When it mattered most, Spa found another gear. Ava Brosnan continued her outstanding second-half display by pointing from play before Saoirse Kelly added her third score of the evening, and her first from play, after excellent pressure and a turnover from Liadh Tobin created the opportunity to leave Spa two points clear.
There was still time for one final twist as Glenflesk broke through on goal in the closing moments with the chance to snatch victory. Goalkeeper Alma Cronin had other ideas, standing tall to produce a superb save before Spa calmly saw out the remaining seconds to seal a hard-earned victory.
The result sends Spa into the Kerry Credit Unions Donal Curtin Cup Division 2 League Final, where they will host Laune Rangers in Spa on Monday 13th July, earning home advantage thanks to their higher league finishing position.
All roads lead to Spa next Monday evening, and we encourage all Spa supporters to come along, wear the club colours and get behind our Senior Ladies as they bid to bring home the Donal Curtin Cup!
View all the photos from the match via our Facebook page HERE.
With the pitch in excellent condition and a large crowd in attendance, the sides served up a competitive and closely contested encounter, with Spa showing tremendous character to overturn a three-point half-time deficit and secure their place in next Monday's final.
Glenflesk settled quickest and opened the scoring before Liadh Tobin responded with a well-taken point from play to level matters. Spa enjoyed plenty of possession during the opening quarter and created several promising opportunities, but were unable to fully capitalise despite some excellent approach play.
Saoirse Kelly edged Spa in front with a converted free after Glenflesk were penalised under the new retreat rule, with the visitors replying in similar fashion shortly afterwards as both teams adjusted to the recently introduced rule. Kelly added another free to restore Spa's advantage, again following a retreat infringement.
However, Glenflesk finished the half strongly. Finding their rhythm, they registered four unanswered points, three from play and one free, to take control of the contest. Spa came agonisingly close to finding the net when Mairead Bennett's superb effort struck the post, but Glenflesk held their advantage to lead 0-6 to 0-3 at the break.
Spa emerged for the second half with renewed purpose. An early point from Mairead Bennett, followed by a Meghann Cronin free, reduced the deficit to a single point and lifted both the players and the home support. Although Glenflesk stretched their lead back to two with another free, the decisive moment arrived midway through the half.
A powerful run from Meghann Cronin opened up the Glenflesk defence before she picked out Ava Brosnan, who finished brilliantly to the net for the game's only goal. Brosnan followed up shortly after with an excellent point from play to swing the momentum firmly in Spa's favour and open up a two-point lead.
To their credit, Glenflesk never gave up and responded with two converted frees to draw level once again, setting up a tense finale.
When it mattered most, Spa found another gear. Ava Brosnan continued her outstanding second-half display by pointing from play before Saoirse Kelly added her third score of the evening, and her first from play, after excellent pressure and a turnover from Liadh Tobin created the opportunity to leave Spa two points clear.
There was still time for one final twist as Glenflesk broke through on goal in the closing moments with the chance to snatch victory. Goalkeeper Alma Cronin had other ideas, standing tall to produce a superb save before Spa calmly saw out the remaining seconds to seal a hard-earned victory.
The result sends Spa into the Kerry Credit Unions Donal Curtin Cup Division 2 League Final, where they will host Laune Rangers in Spa on Monday 13th July, earning home advantage thanks to their higher league finishing position.
All roads lead to Spa next Monday evening, and we encourage all Spa supporters to come along, wear the club colours and get behind our Senior Ladies as they bid to bring home the Donal Curtin Cup!
View all the photos from the match via our Facebook page HERE.
