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Donegal Celtic Ladies made the best possible start to their pre-season campaign win a convincing win over Title contenders Ballymena All-stars on Sunday. Although a division below Ballymena, DC produced an excellent display which left new manager Johnny McCrystal in buoyant mood after the game.
DC started brightest and claimed an early led through Lesley Beattie. A dangerous corner was played in by N.I international Louise Irvine which the Ballymena defence scrambled clear. The ball however fell into the path of Beattie who curled and excellent left foot shot into the top corner. DC doubled their lead soon after and again it was a Louise Irvine corner which started it. From the corner Irvine played a neat one-two with Mandy Timmons then Irvine calmly chipped the goal keeper from the corner of the 18 yard box. Mid way through the first half DC grabbed a three goal lead which was nothing short of what they deserved. As the Ballymena defence tried to play the ball around their 18 yard box, Lauren Moore disposed them and finished low into the corner. Ballymena had two great chances to grab a goal back but Sonia Toner made a decisive block on the goal line to keep them at bay and stand in goal keeper Emma Morgan acrobatically saved low to her right with a shot that looked to be finding the corner. Ballymena did pull a goal back just before half time to give them some hope for the second half.
Half �time 3-1
The second half was a one sided affair as DC looked to add to their tally. 10 minutes into the second half they Lauren Moore got her second and DC�s fourth of the game and what a goal it was. The young striker collected the ball just inside the Ballymena half and headed for goal. After battling her way through three challenges Moore crashed a 20 yard shot in of the underside of the bar to the delight of her team mates. With the game over as a contest DC played some attractive football and any effort that Ballymena made towards the DC goal were matched by the defence. Deep into the second half Lauren Moore secured her hat-trick with another fine individual goal. Again the defence had no answer for her pace and once she nipped past two defenders, Moore poked the ball under the on-rushing keeper to secure the win.
With a great performance under their belts the match was also a chance to give two players their debuts for the senior team. Aideen Shannon who has recently been promoted from the U-14 side had an excellent game in centre midfield, while Leanne McGonigle caused numerous problems up front.
DC Squad: Emma Morgan, Emma McVeigh, Sonia Toner, Elaine Curley, Lesley Beattie, Mandy Timmons, Aideen Shannon, Louise Irvine, Charlene Smyth, Nuala Rafferty, Lauren Moore, Leanne McGonigle.
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