Klub Kildare lose out after extra-time heartbreak
Carla Kelly plays for a forward pass for Klub Kildare
The season for Klub Kildare U17 girls came to a heartbreaking end on a miserable afternoon as they were narrowly beaten by CK United after extra time in the quarter-final of the LOI Academy Plate competition.
Played in torrential rain and gale-force winds, it was a wonder the game went ahead at all.
After winning the toss, Klub Kildare had the benefit of the strong wind in the opening half and almost made the perfect start. A free-kick from Morgan Kearney fell kindly for Elaine Irhue, whose first-time effort was brilliantly saved by CK United goalkeeper Sofia Blackmore.
Three minutes later, a long kick-out from Kate Gayson released Teegan Lynch through on goal. Lynch's pace caused problems, but once again Blackmore came to her side's rescue, diverting the shot, before Blossom Pednekar followed up and fired wide.
Despite the difficult conditions, CK United settled well and made the breakthrough after 13 minutes when Orla Sutton rose highest to head home the opening goal. The visitors continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage before the break as defensive hesitation allowed Sutton to grab her second goal of the contest.
With the wind at their backs in the second period, CK United looked capable of extending their lead, but Klub Kildare produced a spirited response. They repeatedly threatened the opposition goal and, just when it appeared their season was about to end, they struck twice late on to force extra time.
Fourteen-year-old Erin Lanigan, who delivered an outstanding display throughout, pulled a goal back before Ava Buckley levelled matters to send the tie beyond normal time.
The decisive moment arrived eight minutes into extra time when Kayleigh O'Callaghan struck a free-kick directly to the net. It proved to be the winning score as CK United booked their place in the semi-finals.
Klub Kildare can take plenty of positives from the performance, particularly the displays of Lanigan, Morgan Kearney, Teegan Lynch and Tori Kelly, but there was understandable disappointment as the curtain came down on their campaign.
Kate Gayson, Morgan Kearney, Carla Kelly, Elaine Irhue, Erin Lanigan, Teegan Lynch, Tori Kelly, Blossom Pednekar, Mia Andrews, Annabelle Carty, Ellie Mae O'Neill.
Jess Daly, Abby Slattery, Ciara Hilliard, Ava Buckley, Keela Lennon Brophy.
Sofia Blackmore, Aoife Blanchfield, Isabella Norris, Amelia Szot, Keelie Doyle, Kayleigh O'Callaghan, Molly Quinn, Nora Purcell, Orla Sutton, Sarah O'Leary, Kara Canavan.
Zoe Bradshaw, Harper Mernagh, Natalia Deka, Emily Christopher, Lucy Morris, Ellie Wybrant, Emily O'Rourke.
Trials for Klub Kildare's Under-16 and Under-18 squads for the 2027 season took place on the all-weather pitch at Killashee on Sunday.
Players interested in competing in National League soccer next season are invited to attend a further trial session next Sunday from 4pm to 6pm.
For more information, contact pat@klubkildare.ie.
