Superb effort sees Seconds overcome Carrick in cup

CARRICK 1

Ballymoney II hosted Carrickfergus 1XI in round 2 of the McConnell Shield at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre on Friday.

Ballymoney Ladies knew the evening would consist of a physically and mentally demanding game. The Toon looked to have come out of the blocks quicker than Carrick, demonstrating their strength on the ball and grasping the tactical differences in the game as well.

However, it was Carrick, against the run of play, who found the target first. The Ballymoney side refused to sit back and maintained their intensity throughout the first half which was rewarded. Ballymoney took a quick free from outside the Carrick circle with Katherine Gawne having the finishing touch. As the half time whistle blew the score was 1-1.

Ballymoney started the second half with the required aggression and hunger for the win. The Toon ladies worked tirelessly all over the pitch and they did not look likely to give it up easily. The defence and midfielders displayed fast attacking hockey with well linked ball to the forwards.

In the last minute of the game, Katherine Gawne broke through the Carrick defence threading the ball to Cathryn Knipe, who fired the ball home into the left hand corner.

With the full 70 minutes counted down Ballymoney walked away with a well deserved 2-1 win and a place in the 3rd Round of the McConnell Shield in January.

Ballymoney II would like to thank their Coach Diane Kirgan, Diane McNeill for umpiring and the supporters who came to watch- your support and dedication to the club is very much appreciated.