THROWING DOWN THE GAUNTLET
DROGHEDA soccer star Megan Campbell’s name popped up on websites and TV screens across the planet after she scored for her country in last week’s FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland.
The 24-year-old defender from Fire Station Cottages sealed a 2-0 victory for Colin Bell’s team with a dipping 25yard shot in the second half - that after one of her trademark huge throw-ins had forced Rachel Furness to head into her own net.
Earlier, two other bullet-like throws from Campbell almost resulted in goals as Louise Quinn’s header was brilliantly cleared off the line and a similar effort from Stephanie Roche struck the crossbar.
However, there was controversy before kick-off, with a decision taken by Uefa not to fly national flags or play the nations’ respective anthems on safety grounds following consultation with the PSNI.
Meanwhile, there is speculation that Campbell could have the longest throw in world football and the Manchester City player has attracted the attention of Guinness World Records after the FAI tweeted video footage of her in action.
The organisation replied that they would welcome an application in the category ‘Farthest distance football throw-in (female)’.
Campbell was in Women’s Super League action on Sunday afternoon, coming on as a 70th-minute sub, as her club kicked off the new season with a 4-0 win at Yeovil Town.
City host title rivals Arsenal this coming Saturday.