Saturday 17th October, Emerald GAA Grounds, Ruislip

Croydon 2-05  V Bros Pearses 2-00

The Senior League saw Croydon and Bros Pearses level on points in second place with a play off necessary to determine who would face Tara in the final.  Despite both teams fielding under strength teams, onlookers were not disappointed by a gritty performance from both sides with a spirited second half fight back from Croydon moving them one step closer to gaining the London Senior League title.  The 5 point margin may have looked comfortable for Croydon but it was anything but with the game hanging in the balance till the end.

From the off, the game was thrilling and tense as each team vied for dominance.  Croydon opened the scoring with a well taken point by Aisling Touhy from 30 yards out.  This was soon following up by a further point from Rita O’Mahoney.  The south siders had settled well and seemed to control the play with centre back, Elaine Dunphy, standing firm in the back line; a further point from the forward line increased their lead.  There was never enough of a margin for Croydon to sit back and after some up front tussles in the Pearses forward line saw them breach the Croydon defence with a goal from Frances O’Neill.  The scene was now set for a battle and Pearses having found some form continue to pile on the pressure with Sinead McMahon making some fine runs through the centre of the field.  Despite the efforts of the Croydon backline Pearses again found the net through their full forward, Darniece.

The second half was as entertaining as the first as both teams battled hard with Croydon exerting pressure up front resulting in a quick point to close the gap on the leaders. The fear of losing was apparent for both teams and on more than one occasion Brian Corry had to calm proceedings.   Tempers continued to spill with Croydon earning themselves a penalty as an illegal tackle was made on Aisling Touhy; however an opportunity missed as a fantastic save was made by Pearses goalkeeper.  Realising their error, Croydon dug deep and following a team move between Kelly, Hehir and McNeela they found the top corner of the net with an expertly taken shot.  Pearses rallied and play saw them move the ball to their hungry forwards with Croydons goalie, Sarah Allen having to put her body on line to pull off some magnificent saves.  A great team effort from the women in black as their defence cleared their lines feeding some good ball to their upfront partners who added a further goal and point before the final whistle.

Croydon’s unity and strength won out in the end and the stage is thus set for  Senior League Final between Croydon and Tara which no doubt will make for a thrilling encounter, the date of which is yet to be set pending the outcome Tara’s quest in the All Ireland Club championship campaign.

Croydon: S Allen, J McGivney, S O’Donoghue, B Halloran, M Agnew, E Dunphy, C Curtain, S McNeela, M Hoare, A Kelly, A Touhy, R O’Mahoney, B Hehir,  E Jones & M Barry Subs: S Allis