Clement's strike proves just enough
Just two games were played in the Women's A league last weekend with last year's champions Swallows continuing to dominate with yet another victory.
Swallows 1 Canaries 0
Swallows dominated for most of the first half with some forceful attacking play while at the same time their defence proved too strong for Canaries with Tiffany Sousa controlling the middle. Shelly Clement scored the decisive goal following a rebound from a shot by Jenny Burrell. The second half proved more even with Swallows unable to add to their tally.
Bluebirds 2 Swifts 1
Despite working the ball through Swifts' defence and creating numerous chances on goal, Bluebirds were unable to find a way past Swifts `keeper Jennah Robinson in the first half. However, Natasha Nunes quickly found her form in the second half with two superb goals in quick succession. Swifts only consolation was a penalty flick in the last few minutes of the game.
In the B League, Cardinals came back from a demoralising loss against Swallows two weeks ago to notch two victories over the weekend.
Cardinals 1 Orioles 0
On Saturday, Cardinals edged out Orioles with Gayle Thorne netting the lone goal. Thorne was sent into the match after ten minutes and she capitalised on a direct hit from team-mate Iesha Castle, knocking the ball past the `keeper. Cardinals earned a number of short corners in the second half but were unable to increase the score.
Cardinals 5 Ravens 0
On Sunday, Cardinals came out determined and confident as they overpowered the first-year Ravens squad from the start. They moved the ball around the pitch in a short passing game and went ahead on a well executed short corner which resulted in Iesha Castle pushing the ball past the opposing `keeper. Michelle Beck capitalised on another short corner to send Cards into the interval with a 2-0 lead. In the second half, goals from Shirley Smith, Gayle Thorne and a second from Castle sealed a convincing win. Candy Foggo provided the crosses to Smith and Thorne as the Cards demonstrated some effective teamwork.
Swallows 1 Canaries 0
Swallows' B squad also basked in weekend success, defeating Canaries 1-0 to remain at the top of the standings. Canaries failed to capitalise on a number of opportunities and held off Swallows until late in the second half when the league leaders grabbed the game's only goal.
Bluebirds 3 Swifts 0
Bluebirds kept up the pressure on the league leaders, taking early control in this match against Swifts and going ahead with a decisive strike by Louisa Bussey within the first five minutes. Linda Vienneau then fired the ball into the back of the net with a one-time touch from a cross from Liz Wright four minutes later. Swifts improved in the second half but a final goal from Lisa Maule sealed Bluebirds' victory.
MEN'S LEAGUE
Upstarts 4 Police Polecats 1
A first half in which play was fairly even saw Police sneak ahead with a solo goal after 25 minutes from Carl Seale, who ran 25 yards into the circle before netting. Polecats started the game with just eight men, although a full team was present by the end of the half. However, the additions didn't appear to help as Upstarts gradually took control. A penalty netted by Neil Carroll turned the tide as Upstarts went on to a landslide win with two goals from Martin Murphy, one flicked over the keeper's head and off the post, and another from Garry Fyfe.