Spoils shared in Omagh by ladies firsts

The ladies first eleven travelled to Omagh last Saturday with a depleted squad for their second league game of the season.

Despite being without several regulars due to school hockey tours, the visitors got off to a good start with quick passing and high intensity across the pitch. Good link up play from Olivia Brown and Natalie Wallace through the middle saw Rachel Murphy through on goal who fired her first time shot past the keeper into the bottom corner. North Down took their 1-0 lead into the second quarter however Omagh came out a different team and piled the pressure on. The home side were awarded a series of successive corners however these were defended well by Lauren Brown and Rachel Mornin to keep the score line 1-0 at half time.

The second half started as an end to end game with both sides missing good chances. North Down had their chance to extend their lead when a well worked corner found Olivia Brown with a clear shot on goal but she could only hit the post. A quick Omagh break resulted in a penalty corner, Helena Press saved well from the initial strike only for Omagh’s Swann to slot into the back of the net.

In the dying minutes, good link up play from debutant Sophie Hoey and Selina Lewis down the right found Rachel Murphy through one on one with the keeper only to be brought down from behind by an Omagh defender. A clear goal scoring opportunity denied and only a penalty corner awarded. Sophie Hoey then had the final chance of the game to steal the win but a good goal line clearance from the home time left the game 1-1 at full time.

The ladies travel again to Omagh this Saturday in the Senior Cup and will hope to go one better this time.

Burch Autos Player of the Match: Rachel Mornin