PDQ Invitational League
PDQ LEAGUE AND CUP DOUBLE FOR LINFIELD
AN excellent performance by Linfield saw them defeat Carrick Rangers under 15 girls 7-2 to win the PDQ Solutions Invitational Cup at Taylors Avenue.
The fitter and stronger team from Belfast dominated the first half and at half-time led 4-1. A young, shell-shocked Carrick side battled well under the floodlights in the second half and were unlucky not to add to their two consolation goals from Fawn Mulholland and Rebekka Craig. This was an excellent advert for girls’ football with both teams displaying great skill and determination. All the action is captured on www.sportnpics.co.uk
As a result of this performance Linfield secured a PDQ Solutions league and cup double in its inaugural season with Carrick finishing runners-up in both competitions. The competitions also included Donegal Celtic, Distillery, Templepatrick, Northland Raiders and Blackieville.
PDQ Solutions are delighted to sponsor this league and the primary aim this year was to provide an opportunity for girls to play 11-a-side football on a regular basis. Elaine Roden from Templepatrick said: “I thought the league competition was very well organised and the girls thoroughly enjoyed having regular matches.”
Her sentiments were echoed by Emma Morgan, manager of the Donegal Celtic team: “Superb introduction to youth football. Great for helping younger players develop and learn to understand 11-a-side football.”
The emphasis was not on winning at all cost and to that end PDQ Solutions sponsored trophies for each club to select their Most Improved Player. Participation in the league will obviously set the girls up well for the IFA seven-a-side league which is due to commence in late April.
Michael Hewlett manager of double winners Linfield felt participation will help some girls progress: “The league and the cup was great as it benefited the kids with 11-a-side football. Some of the team had not played 11-a-side football and it will help them for when they go up to the ladies league.”
John Mulholland from PDQ Solutions was delighted with the standard of football and the cooperation between the clubs: “This was truly a grassroots effort. There were some epic games and great co-operation between the clubs. We wish to thank the referees, coaches and Peter Nesbitt the league secretary for their time and efforts. For their part Sportnpics covered all the action and we are grateful to Wesley and Valerie for the part they played in recording the drama. The biggest thanks however go to the girls who took part, played some excellent football and have improved immensely as a result. That’s what we set out to do.”
