Enniscorthy’s Ladies first XI had a tough match on Saturday as they hosted second-placed Muckross IV at the Astro Active Centre.

It was the home side who crucially struck with the first play of the game in what was a physical but entertaining encounter. Enniscorthy elected to tip off, and a swift ball up the right wing followed by a pass straight across the circle found the stick of Aoife Mahon who placed the ball in the corner of the goal, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
The hosts maintained the early pressure with another attack up the right wing; Ciara Kelly tore through the Muckross defence, finding Nancy Dunphy; her pass in turn found May Wickham, but her shot went narrowly wide.
The visitors then found an attacking gear of their own, Muckross mounting pressure on the Enniscorthy defence but great hassling by captain Julie Watchorn prevented the Dublin side getting near Fiona Rothwell’s goal. Enniscorthy then countered, a series of precise passes along the back line finding Isabelle Walsh who was fouled, resulting in a penalty corner for the home side. Ciara Kelly’s push out found Jessie Flood at the top of the semi circle, but Flood’s effort was well saved by the opposing goalkeeper. 
Muckross were not giving up without a fight and earned a penalty corner of their own. Brave running by Leah Chapman intercepted the direct shot but Muckross managed to eke out a shot on goal, goalkeeper Fiona Rothwell in her first start for the side this season pulling off a fantastic save to deny the visitors. 
The start of the second half saw a penalty corner awarded to the visitros but a great stop by Mahon on the line saw the visitors denied once again. Mindful of the Muckross threat, Enniscorthy were desperate to extend their slender lead; Sonja Rynhart won a great ball up the centre of the field and straight through to the opposition semi circle, winning a penalty corner. From the resulting corner Rynhart’s shot was unfortunate to go over the post.
Enniscorthy also threatened through Laura O’Leary, her quick burst up the right wing earning another penalty corner. A quick ball out to the top of semi circle back to Kelly was unfortunate not to get a connection.
With time ticking by, there were still goal opportunities. Quick passing from the back line of Hannah Graham, Laura Smith, Watchorn & Flood delivered a great ball to midfielder Walsh who shot up the left wing leaving defenders in her wake and resulting in her being fouled outside the circle. Walsh – in her second game for the club – intercepted a ball in midfield leaving a one on one with the Muckross goalkeeper but was unfortunate not to score. 
Overall, this was a strong performance by the Slaneysiders and this result still sees them sit on top on the league table with twenty-four points and a commanding goal difference of +35.  Enniscorthy now hold a nine point lead over Muckross, with Clontarf a further two points back on thirteen points. Saturday sees Donal Doyle’s side travel to north county Dublin and eighth-placed Skerries.

Squad: Fiona Rothwell, Julie Watchorn, Laura Smith, Hannah Graham, Jessie Flood, Ciara Kelly, Leah Chapman, Aoife Mahon, May Wickham, Nancy Dunphy, Sonja Rynhart, Laura O’Leary, Isabelle Walsh