Blake proud of his Sion players following final agony

SION Swifts boss Tony Blake lavished praise on his players despite their defeat to Glentoran in the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup Final at The National Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Glens triumphed 2-1 thanks to first half goals by Jessica Foy and Joely Andrews. An 88th minute strike by substitute Tara O’Connor-Farren gave Swifts late hope but Blake’s young charges couldn’t conjure up an equaliser to force the showpiece decider into extra-time.

While Glentoran players celebrated a tenth success and fourth consecutive victory in the premier cup competition, a deflated Swifts were left reflecting on what might have been.

But, despite the bitter disappointment, Blake had nothing but praise for his gallant players, many of which have successfully made the step up to the senior game this season.

All told it’s been a hugely encouraging season for Swifts. Blake’s ever improving players were one game away from finishing in the top half of the Women’s Premiership and back in June they won the League Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

Despite the disappointment of losing to a star-studded Glens outfit, reaching the Irish Cup Final for just a second time was also a major achievement.

Former Donegal GAA and Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Blake said he was immensely proud of all his charges.

“This is an unbelieveable group of girls, their work ethic, they give you everything,” he said.

“They are a credit to the coaches who had them right through underage level and a credit to their parents who brought them up. They’re a fantastic group.”

The season just completed was viewed as one of transition for Sion. The north Tyrone outfit took the opportunity to blood a number of younger players and performances would suggest that developing the next generation of stars is well on schedule.

Blake firmly believes the future is bright and with the addition of a few experienced players hopes are high that Sion can again become a force to be reckoned with.

“It’s been a great season,” he continued.

“We have blooded a number of young players, they have a year’s experience under their belts.

“We won the League Cup, we got to another final and all for one game we would have finished top half of the table.

“This is a season to build on, definitely. Yeah we are possibly short three or four players and if we can bring those in

then who knows?

“There is definitely something to build on and the foundations have been laid this season.”