IT took extra-time to decide who would advance in the LWS Super Cup between Lisburn Distillery and Belfast Ravens, with Cora Maxwell’s late goal proving the winner.
The visitors started the brighter team and broke the deadlock just eight minutes in when Tuathlaith Murtagh kept her composure when through on goal and coolly slotted home.
C Maxwell’s strike then made stopper Danielle Butler make a good save before at the other end keeper Katie Bradley made an impressive deflection to stop Murtagh from doubling the away side’s advantage.
C Maxwell levelled the game as half-time approached when she converted a well timed pass from Leah McAuley.
The home side did have one final chance before the break, but Aoibhinn Murray sent her effort off target.
After the restart Donna Maxwell’s side dominated and pushed for a goal with Murray and C Maxwell having multiple chances. The best when Maxwell’s goalbound effort was cleared off the line.
Madison Brown thought she had put Distillery in front with a first touch finish, but the flag was raised for offside to the frustration of the home fans.
Bradley was on hand to make another great save to once again stop Murtagh’s effort as the end of the 90 minutes approached with Annemarie Esler’s strike hitting the post in the final seconds.
In the second half of extra-time the home side were once again denied by the woodwork when Murray’s header crashed the crossbar.
However, there was a goal to come as C Maxwell was cleverly played through on goal, travelled forward and fired into the back of the net.
The draw for the second round of the LWS Super Cup will take place tomorrow, May 21.
Round-up report of other ties from tonight to follow.
