BY MATTHEW WILSON
FINN Harps midfielder Codie Walsh is hoping that they can build on last weekend’s win when they travel to Athlone Town this Sunday in the Women’s Development League.
It was a historic occasion for the Navenny Street club last Sunday as they claimed their first victory at senior level courtesy of a 2-1 win over Drogheda United at Finn Park.
Aishlinn Coll and Alannah Curran bagged the goals for Dessie McGlinchey’s side on the day and Walsh was delighted to have gotten their first win of the new campaign.
“We were really happy to get our first win in Finn Park, it was a great achievement for the girls. I think we could’ve put another few goals away during the game, it would’ve been nice to have extra goals added for the league table.”
“This is such a competitive league and you just don’t know when your first three points are going to come. Luckily we got our first three quite early so we can build on that now for this weekend.”
It’s been a solid start to life in the senior ranks for the Finn Park residents, with one win , one draw and one defeat in their opening three encounters.
Speaking to the Donegal News, the joint-captain discussed that the group were disappointed with their display in the 3-0 defeat to Sligo Rovers but insisted that they’re aiming to improve from the day now.
“We were really happy with the Shelbourne and Drogheda results. The 3-0 defeat to Sligo was a bit of a downer but we just didn’t perform on the day.
“We knew it wasn’t the way we’d have liked to perform, it was silly mistakes and on the day the occasion must’ve gotten to us. We’re looking to improve now and find some consistency.”
McGlinchey is operating with a youthful squad in the Women’s Development League this term but they certainly don’t look out of place at this level, with all of them stepping up to the plate for the side.
Walsh expressed that a number of players are also juggling both underage and senior commitments and is pleased with how they are going about their business for the team.
“We have a few Under 17s that play on the Saturday and then come with us and play on the Sunday which is great.
“They’re well able to play with us and it’s great to see the likes of them coming through. Even the girls that came straight out of Under 17s and skipped Under 19s, the likes of Sarah McGuinness, Alannah Curran and Rihanna Doherty, they’re starting most games and it’s great to see.”
The Finn Harps women’s team are back in action this Sunday as they face a trip to Lissywollen for a meeting with Athlone Town.
The Athlone outfit have only been involved in one match to date in the competition where they secured a convincing 5-0 victory over Bohemians on home soil.
They’ll provide a stern challenge for the Navenny Street Club but last weekend’s three points will have provided Finn Harps with a morale boost and they’ll be looking to focus on their own game when they make the journey south this Sunday.
“Last weekend was a real boost for us and we’ve been training well this week. Athlone would’ve brought down a few of their senior players from the league winning team last year”, said Walsh.
“We’re going to try and combat their senior players and shut them down early in the game so that we can get the play going ourselves.”
