Tough competition

The Ladies League showed just how competitive it has become since promotion and relegation issues were introduced to spice up the action.

Solitary goals decided both Division Two clashes this week. Coming off the back of their first defeat, Seef Dental were determined to return to winning ways and RCSI showed equal determination not to concede any points.

The Seef ladies had most of the game and the chances, but the RCSI defence remained solid, and the goalkeeping of stand-in keeper Deena Ghazal was superb.

RCSI looked dangerous on the break, and the Seef defence had to be alert throughout the match, but midway through the first half a great Mandy Ritchey shot found the back of the net and proved to be the winner despite both teams pressing for further goals.

In the other Division Two fixture local pride was at stake when Arsenal U18s and the Gunners faced each other. In their last meeting, the U18s had raced into a 4-1 lead, only to be pegged back for a draw.

But, having beaten Seef last week to put themselves back into contention for the league title, the U18s were determined to add another three points to their tally.

The Gunners defended their goal valiantly, with gritty performances at the back from Natalie Schultz and Rachel Knight and looked set to hold on to a well-deserved draw. However, with one minute remaining, Latifa Al Khalifa cut in from the left, beat her defender and fired into the bottom corner of the goal.

The second division title race now stands beautifully poised with Seef Dental on top, with 13 points having played six games, and the U18s with eight points from four matches.

On Saturday morning the Arsenal U21s played the Flames, followed by Arsenal Ladies playing Joga in a Division 1 top-of-the-table clash. 

The U21s raced into an early lead through Lati Al Khalifa and had plenty of chances to add more in their quest to complete a 100 per cent record against the team from Saudi.

But with wind advantage in the second half, the Flames equalised through Aseel Al Husseini after a goalmouth scramble, and then Leah Montenegro scored again to take all three points.

This result was vital for the Flames, their first win of the season, and one that means that their battle for top flight survival continues, as with three games left, they are only three points behind the U21s and six behind Joga.

The Arsenal Ladies now only need a point to become the first team to retain the League title since St Chris Seniors in Season 3. Having had two close meetings with nearest rivals Joga TFA, another tight match was anticipated. However, the Arsenal Ladies, and, in particular, their new signing Katie Eames, had other ideas!

Within five minutes of making her debut, Eames scored her first goal, and before the full time whistle had sounded she had added four more.

Further goals from Carala Jellema and Tala Hatoum, and a single reply from Alaa Al Dirazi meant that a 7-1 victory was secured for the Ladies.

A dream debut for Eames and a name to watch out for.

This week sees action continue with games between the Arsenal teams – Ladies and the U21s, and Joga against Flames tonight, RCSI versus the Arsenal 18s tomorrow and on Saturday Seef Dental are up against the Arsenal Gunners.