Killarney Athletic U13 Girls secured a thrilling 2-1 victory against Dingle Bay Rovers in a league home match held at the Killarney Athletic ground on 1st February 2025, kicking off at 3:00 pm. The match showcased a spirited performance from both teams, but it was Killarney who emerged victorious, thanks to a strong first-half display.
Killarney Athletic adopted a 3-4-2 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while also providing width and creativity in midfield. Lori Rujevcan took her position as the goalkeeper, while Laura O’Sullivan, Laura O’Donoghue, and Robyn Higgins formed a resolute back three. In midfield, Evie Doolan and Roisin O’Sullivan operated on the flanks, with Clodagh Hegarty and Elizabeth Brosnan controlling the central areas. Up front, Leah Heinmann and Erica Moloney were tasked with leading the attack, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from the opposition.
The substitutes for Killarney included Fiadh O’Sullivan, Rachel Luchin, Aria Sheehan, and Lucy Myles, who would later play crucial roles in the match as the game unfolded.
The opening goal came early in the match, with Leah Heinmann finding the back of the net in the 9th minute, giving Killarney a dream start. The forward capitalised on a defensive error from Dingle Bay, slotting the ball home with precision to send the home crowd into raptures.
As the match progressed, Killarney continued to apply pressure, and their efforts paid off again in the 25th minute when Erica Moloney doubled the lead. A well-worked move saw the ball played into the box, where Moloney was on hand to finish expertly, leaving the Dingle Bay goalkeeper with no chance.
The first half concluded with Killarney leading 2-0, but not without some tactical adjustments. In the 15th minute, Killarney made their first substitution, bringing on Rachel Luchin for Laura O’Sullivan, a move aimed at bolstering their midfield presence. Shortly after, in the 30th minute, Robyn Higgins made way for Aria Sheehan, who was introduced to add fresh legs to the defence.
The second half saw Killarney maintain their composure, but Dingle Bay Rovers were not to be underestimated. They fought back and managed to pull a goal back in the 40th minute, igniting hopes of a comeback. Despite this setback, Killarney held firm, with goalkeeper Lori Rujevcan making crucial saves to deny the Rovers any further chances.
In the 33rd minute, Killarney made another substitution, with Leah Heinmann being replaced by Lucy Myles. This change aimed to inject more energy into the forward line as Killarney sought to secure their lead.
As the match drew to a close, Killarney Athletic showcased their resilience, defending stoutly against a determined Dingle Bay side. The final whistle confirmed a hard-fought 2-1 victory for Killarney, marking an impressive performance that highlighted their tactical discipline and attacking prowess.
Lori Rujevcan was instrumental in the victory, earning recognition as Player of the Match for her outstanding goalkeeping display, which proved vital in preserving Killarney's lead. The win not only boosts Killarney Athletic's confidence but also sets a positive tone for their upcoming fixtures in the league.
