BY ANDREW MORRISON
Photos by Front Row Union
Queen’s University were confirmed as Legacy Ulster Women’s Premier League champions as they beat the Belfast Harlequins 2-1.
Goals from Jenna McCarlie and Alyssa Jebb saw the league winners come from behind to seal victory.
The win sees them seal the title with two games to spare and crowned champions for the first time since 2019/20.
The first chance of the game came after ten minutes when Zoe Wilson picked out Jenna McCarlie in the circle but her reverse effort came back off the woodwork.
Just a minute later it was Harlequins who took the lead when the ball was played across the face of goal and Any Cummings-Bell deflected in at the back post.
An even contest saw neither side able to create many chances in the second quarter as Harlequins looked value for their narrow lead.
With neither goalkeeper being tested, the sides went into the half-time break with the visitors a goal ahead.
Just three minutes after the restart Queen’s University drew level.
Having won the ball in a dangerous position the unmarked Jenna McCarlie was picked out in the circle before firing past the goalkeeper from the penalty spot.
The goal seemingly burst the hosts into life as they continued to pressure the Harlequins goal has McCarlie went close once more only to be denied by Susie Taylor in goal.
However, the best chance of the quarter came for the visitors in the dying stages.
Katie Larmour’s ball down the right flank picked out forward Jenna Henry who was one vs one with the goalkeeper who closed the angle well before the shot missed the target.
Four minutes into the final quarter the students were awarded a penalty corner after Megan Cochrane was fouled in the circle.
From the resulting set play a combination at the top of the circle saw Zoe Wilson combine with Alyssa Jebb who fired in her 18th league goal of the season to give the champions elect the lead.
Following their lead the hosts they continued to threaten the Harlequins goal, but with no avail.
However, with their visitors unable to find an equaliser, the students ran out 2-1 winners and were crowned champions.
Queen’s University are next in action on Saturday afternoon when they host Ballymoney and will also be presented with their Legacy Ulster Women’s Premier League title.
