The Lidl National League Division 4 semi-finals pairings were confirmed with a number of emphatic performances from Limerick, Offaly, Fermanagh, while Leitrim and Antrim played out an exciting draw.
The semi-final pairings see Leitrim face Offaly, while Fermanagh will square up to Limerick.
Games are down for decision on March 20th with venue and times to be decided.
Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 4A
Fermanagh 5-14 Derry 1-4
A high octane first half set the foundation for Fermanagh to blitz Derry.
Eimear Smyth and Niamh McManus scored goals in the first five minutes to race their side into a 2-2 to 0-0 lead.
By the time Orla McGeough scored Derry’s first point, Fermanagh had increased their dominance to 3-3 to 0-1. Eimear Smyth completed her hat-trick on 18 minutes.
Fermanagh led 4-8 to 0-2 at the break.
Though the scoring exploits slow down somewhat in the second half, Fermanagh continued to assert their dominance with points from Blaithin Bogue and Smyth.
Eimear Smyth found the net once more on 59 minutes.
Hat tip to Derry’s Orla McGeough kept her side’s score-board ticking over with 1-4 contribution. Her goal coming in the finale of proceedings.
Leitrim 2-12 Antrim 3-9
Leitrim assured their progression to the semi-finals in a thrilling draw with Antrim in Ballinamore.
Sarah Reynolds secured the draw for the hosts with an injury-time point in the 63rd minute, and indeed her side could have grabbed a win, but a Michelle Guckian effort from a free late on hit the upright.
Earlier, Leitrim had made a great start with early points from Roisin Fowley and Shaylyn Ward, but a Grainne McLoughlin goal put the visitors in front.
Antrim had six-points to spare at the break on a 3-6 to 1-6 score-line, with Caitlin McTaggart and Maria O’Neill adding to the Saffrons goal tally, while Leitrim’s lone first-half goal came from Fowley.
The visitors extended their lead on the restart, but Leitrim hit a strong patch which included a goal from substitute Leah Fox.
It was end-to-end fare in the closing quarter, with both sides pressing hard for a win, but ultimately a share of the spoils proved to be their lot.
Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 4B
Limerick 2-13 Carlow 1-5
Limerick delivered a statement 20-minute second-half performance to put down the Carlow challenge.
The early doors were an impressive free-taking and point scoring exhibition as both sides swapped score for score.
An Edel Hayden goal following a dogged drive by Roisin Byrne put Carlow in front on 16 minutes.
Limerick edged their way back in and Mairead Kavanagh found the top corner of the net to put her side in front at the break, 1-6 to 1-3.
Cathy Mee was central to allow Limerick’s development play. She assisted Limerick’s first goal and she delivered the killer pass for Catriona Davis to palm home, six minutes into the second half.
Davis goal was the inspiration to Limerick scoring 1-6 without reply.
Davis and Mee linking up well in the meantime with plentiful support and excellent running.
Carlow didn’t trouble the scoreboard, until the 55th minute, with a point from Aoibhinn Gilmartin.
Limerick will back themselves to overcome Fermanagh in the semi-finals, they have been impressive in the league so far.
Offaly 4-10 London 2-5
Offaly held off an attempted comeback from London to finish comfortably in this Division 4B clash.
The key to victory for Offaly in the end was holding London scoreless for the final 15 minutes, while steadying the ship and digging in.
It was a win that Offaly demanded to reach the knock out stages.
For long periods, the home side looked comfortable. Gaols from Ellee McEvoy, Ciara Walsh and Emma Hand had Offaly 3-4 to 0-1 in front before, London showed life with a hat trick of points before the break.
A Ciara Walsh goal rebalanced Offaly and silenced London 15 minutes from time.
The Offaly girls eased home for a double score finish to secure progression to a tough semi-final date with Leitrim.
