Fay rescues a point for ladies thirds

Having played nine league games this season the North Down ladies thirds had a single point going into last Saturdays Junior League 3 home fixture against Civil Service 2nds. This has been frustrating as play within the team has been sound with four of the team settling in well, graduating to senior hockey from last year’s Under 15s.

From the starting whistle North Down were on the front foot, leading the charge at every opportunity. Fantastic link up play by skipper Kirsten McBride with Faye McCann and Anna Sterrit up the right proving dangerous. Unfortunately North Down could not find the back of the net as the Civil Service keeper performed her net keeping duties with skill and it remained scoreless at half time.

The second half saw more of the same with attacking opportunities created by Bethan Brittain and Fiona Ellis in defence up to Kathy Taylor, Daisy Fisher and Julie Fisher. North Down remained focused as the game went on feeling that a goal was due. However, Civil Service started to get back into the game during the second period eventually winning a short corner and, after some scrappy play in the circle from both defence and attack, Civil Service forced the ball in to go 1-0 up.
For the remaining minutes the Comber girls showed their resilience and were determined to play positively to the end. A strong run finished with a cracker pass across goal from Anna Sterritt forced a save from the Service keeper however, this time the ball came to Faye McCann, who was able to connect with the ball in the air and lob it over the keeper to level the score at 1-1.  This was a much needed point secured with many positives coming from the performance from the whole team.