Winning start for Strabane Ladies

Northern Ireland Women’s Football Association (NIWFA)

Division Three

Craigavon City….1

Strabane Athletic….3

by Ciara Maguire

STRABANE Athletic Ladies kicked off the new season with a massive win against last year’s League and cup double-winning side, Craigavon.

On the scoresheet for Athletic were Ellie-Jay McMenamin, Stacey Johnston and Orlagh McCloskey.

Naomi McMullan was named 'Player of the Match'.

A club spokesperson said: “We would like to wish the Craigavon player who sustained a bad injury all the very best.

“We hope it was not as bad as expected.

“The girls then continued the positivity as they went on their team bonding beach day which was an absolute blast for them.

“There is a great buzz around the club at the moment and we can’t wait to get on the pitch again on Wednesday night.”

The victory is a huge boost for a talented side who are aiming to move up the ranks of ladies football, and who will no doubt be target promotion - and the league title - this season.

Ahead of the opening fixture, the club revealed a number of new signings to bolster its ranks and strengthen the squad depth as they chase some silverware.

Most recently, the club bolstered its attacking options with Emma Kee and Sharon Campbell-Porter joining the squad ahead of the new season from Killen Rangers.

"With both players giving options as wingers or forward style players, this has boosted the attacking options for this season," a club spokesperson said.

"Emma and Sharon have both more recently played their football with Killen Rangers.

"Emma Kee is a natural goalscorer already showing her impact with a goal in her last friendly.

"Her natural left foot is her biggest weapon and we have no doubt she will add to that list of NIWFA goals this year.

"Sharon is natural runner who can get forward and back on command and can make life very difficult for wing-backs.

"We are delighted to have their registrations for the season and cannot wait to see them both throughout the season."

The club had previously confirmed the arrivals of Millie Goan, Roisin Devlin and defender, Stacey Johnston back in February.

Ellie Duffy also made the transfer from Raphoe Ladies.

She had a successful youth football career at Sion Swifts winning a few league titles and earning herself selections for Northern Ireland development squads along the way.

Ellie has also had a spell with Derry City senior ladies and more recently made her way to the Donegal leagues to play with Raphoe.

She has attained a scholarship with Queens University which allows her to play her football there.

Ellie has decided that at club level her next chapter is to play with Strabane Athletic for the 2023 season.

Manager and head coach, Liam Lynch had his say on the signing of Ellie: "Ellie has been on Strabane's radar since before I arrived at the club and after seeing her at the training I can see why.

"Ellie is an experienced player and eager to get started....Myself and the coaching team already know of the qualities she can possess and I look forward to welcoming her to our healthy squad of talented footballers.

"Our captain Ellie-Jay had a hand in getting this transfer over the line so good work from her also."

Sisters Hollie Johnston has followed in the footsetps of her sister, Stacey, in joining the Strabane ranks.

An extremely experienced and versatile player, she has had success with former clubs in Tyrone and also the USA.

Hollie went to study in America on a scholarship and this provided her with a new playing style and plenty of experience to return home with.

Having coached Hollie previously manager, Liam said: "I's great to have both the Johnston girls involved. You can see already the difference both of them bring to the team in training and on the pitch.

"Hollie can play literally anywhere on the pitch and has no problem doing that which is a credit to her attitude as a player and it will only make us stronger this season, plus she is much too good of a player not to be involved in the sport!

"Hollie is one of the many great additions we have made this pre-season and they are all settling in perfectly.

"We are looking forward to showing everyone what we have to offer this season."