WNL: Galway 3-3 CCFC

Cork City came from 2-0 down to secure a 3-3 draw against Galway WFC in their opening game of the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League at Eamonn Deacy Park. Galway started the stronger in what turned out to be an action packed first half having most of the early possession and territory. They took the lead in the 15^th minute as Rachel Kearns headed home a corner to give Galway the early lead. Galway doubled their lead in the 21^st minute as a good passing move saw Rachel Kearns apply the finish to get hers and Galway’s second goal of the game. City got back into the game on the half hour mark as a quick Sarah McKevitt run down the left wing saw her put the ball into the box where it found Lauren Egbuloniu who fired it home to make it 2-1. McKevitt was involved again for City’s equaliser as her shot on goal from the left side of the box was blocked but fell to Eabha O’Mahony at the edge of the box who fired it home to make it 2-2. Galway instantly restored their lead as they went up to the other end and retook the lead thanks to an excellent Rachel Kearns strike getting her hat-trick to make it 3-2 to the hosts at half time. The second half continued in much the same way as the first half with Galway having most of the ball and possession but with City dangerous on the counter attack. City almost equalised in the 50^th minute as Christina Dring got through on goal but was well saved by the Galway goalkeeper. At the other end City goalkeeper Abby McCarthy had to make a fantastic save to keep Galway out. In the 62^nd minute Lauren Egbuloniu almost got her second goal of the game with a good run cutting in from the right wing but her effort was tipped just over the bar. Galway were awarded a penalty in the 69^th minute but it was fired well over the bar. City levelled the game again in the 85^th minute with a sensational strike from distance from Becky Cassin and despite City pushing for a fourth goal in the closing minutes the game finished 3-3. Next up for Cork City is their first home game of the new season when they host Shelbourne next Saturday 3^rd of April at Turner’s Cross with a 2pm kick off. Cork City: Abby McCarthy, Zara Foley, Lauren Walsh, Danielle Burke, Laura Singleton, Eabha O’Mahony, Becky Cassin, Sophie Liston (Lauren Egbuloniu 5’ (Shaunagh McCarthy 88’)), Eva Mangan (Laura Shine 68’), Sarah McKevitt, Christina Dring.