Ladies Gaelic Football

ANALYSIS top. This proved to be correct, as in the second half the momentum of the game started to change in Meath's favour and small mistakes started to creep into Westmeath's game. Their positive turnover count decreased by 50% and their unforced error count doubled. In addition to this, they were restricted to only one score from play in the second half. In contrast, Meath's free-takers and key ball players such as Vikki Wall, Megan Thynne and Máire O'Shaughnessy kept the ball for large parts of the half and drove at the Westmeath defence to help create a shooting opportunity every time Meath crossed into the attacking third of the pitch. This was exemplified by Emma Duggan's score late into the second half, where Meath kept the ball for over two minutes against a 14-player Westmeath before slotting the ball over the bar. All in all, goals may win games, but they should not cause panic, especially when conceded early on in games. This game should be a lesson to all managers, trust that you are on top in a game but emphasise concentration, the importance of retaining possession and retaining a solid defensive shape. Westmeath counter-attack Westmeath stayed in contention throughout this game thanks to the impeccable finishing of Lucy McCartan, Anna Jones and Leona Archibold. However, how was it that they could score four goals and yet finish six points behind their opponents? The answer is simple, turn the ball over and attack with speed and purpose. Transitioning the ball from defence to attack cannot be over-emphasised and Westmeath showed why. For two out of the three opening goals, they transitioned from a defensive structure to a goal scoring opportunity in less than three passes. Take Lucy McCartan's goal after two minutes - this ball was turned over inside the Westmeath 45m line by Lorraine Duncan who then kick a 40m pass to Johanna Maher, taking out 12 Meath players in the process. Anna Jones' goal after six minutes was a similar story but this time Westmeath pushed up high, turning the ball over in the middle of the park. Fiona Claffey then injected some pace and direct running before Lucy McCartan took out eight Meath players with a well-directed cross field pass. Again, this goal chance was created in less than four passes, making it impossible for Meath to create their otherwise solid defensive structure. In contrast to this incisive counter- attacking play, Westmeath found it very difficult to create scoring chances when they were forced to build up the play from deep following the substitution and sin-binning of key attacking players. These attacks usually consisted of seven-plus passes that allowed Meath to create a good defensive shape inside their own 45m to funnel Westmeath attackers into crowds of Meath defenders. As a result, Meath turned the ball over nine times in the second half and restricted Westmeath to four shots from play. Meath only had seven shots from play. However, a goal at the right time and consistent free-taking kept Westmeath at arm's length. Clockwise: Máire O'Shaughnessy of Meath in action against Tracey Dillon of Westmeath. Meath players celebrate after the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship Final. Meath players, from left, Stacey Grimes, Niamh Gallogly, Aoibhín Cleary, Niamh O'Sullivan and Shauna Ennis celebrate. Vikki Wall of Meath celebrates after scoring her side's second goal. Aoibhín Cleary, left, and Emma Duggan of Meath celebrate at the final whistle. www.ladiesgaelic.ie | WINTER 2020 | 19

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