The Isle of Man women’s representative team won the Triangular tournament for a record third time, after defeating Wigan Athletic 4-3 and Rhyl 2-1 in the recent weekend event.
By Amy Beggs-Cairney
The tournament kicked off on Friday evening, IOM v Wigan Atheltic . The Manx side took an early four goal lead after 34 minutes against Wigan Athletic via strikes from Ceri Purvis, Jade Burden, Kym Hicklin and Sarah Wignall. The Latics hit back just before the close of the first half with a goal from Grace Vella netting before half-time. Wigan’s late goal in the second half gave them their second wind and they came back strong for the second half, holding off the Isle of Man’s team before Sam Baldwin and Alli Coleman bagging more goals for Wigan in the closing stages of the game, bringing the score to IOM 3-2 Wigan. Player of the Match was the Isle of Man’s Sarah Wignall.
On Saturday, Wigan registered the biggest victory from the weekend, defeating Rhyl 5-1. After a goalless first half, Wigan players Grace Vella, Charlotte Ross, Player of the Match Aimee O’Keefe, Megan Hornby and Alli Coleman all scored for the Latics with quick movement from the defence and great attacking play. The Welsh responded with a number of shots on goal and their efforts paid off with a late goal via a Paige Williams effort to close the game.
Pictured – second-placed Wigan Athletic
On Sunday, the Isle of Man defeated Rhyl 2-1. Sarah Wignall put the Manx in front after 6 minutes; however the Welsh side levelled the scores following a Caroline Gardner effort on 17 minutes. Both teams seemed to match each other for the duration of the first half. Lassen College captain, Kiera Morgan scored the all-important winner 36 seconds into the second half. Rhyl struggled to find the back of the net after numerous quick breaks through the island’s defence. Player of the Match was Paige Williams
Results of 2016 Triangular Tournament:
IOMFA Senior Women 4-3 Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic 5 – 1 Rhyl FC
IOMFA Senior Women 2 – 1 Rhyl FC
Pictured – third-placed Rhyl
Overall a fanastic weekend for Women’s Football on the island.
IOMFA would like to thank Wigan Athletic and Rhyl’s players, coaches and managers, along with all the match officals and volunteers that attended throughout the weekend.
Isle Of Man Football Association would welcome any teams interested in coming over to the island for friendlies against the Senior Ladies and U18’s Development Side. Contact Amy Beggs-Cairney – Women and Girls Development Officer at [email protected] or ring 613750 for more information.
SHE KICKS – the online community for women’s football
