Convincing Win For Ladies 3rd XI

By Kathryn Rogers

On Saturday the ladies thirds entertained Greenisland thirds ladies at Ards Leisure Centre.

After a defeat earlier in the season North Down were determined to try and gain a win and were determined right from the start. Within the first five minutes of the game North Down had scored through centre forward Helen McGaughey. North Down continued to apply pressure to the Greenisland defence with excellent passing down the right from Shannen White and Rachel Murray. Helen McGaughey soon added her second goal of the match from a good set up from Julie Fisher. Towards the end of the first half Greenisland’s play picked up but with excellent defending from Jocelyn Sturgeon and midfield work from Sarah Elliot their efforts came to nothing. Left wing Amy Jones had some superb runs and applied excellent pressure to the Greenisland goalkeeper and just before time Helen McGaughey added a third for her hat trick goal giving North Down a decisive 3-0 lead.

Greenisland picked up their game in the second half applying great pressure to the North Down defence however right back Sheona Whiteside had an excellent performance and tackled effectively. Greenisland soon gained a penalty corner but this was cleared by both Ashleigh Gorman and sweeper Maxine Taylor. North Down continued to play strongly until the end with excellent passing,
switching the point of attack and numerous shots on the opposition’s goal. Greenisland’s goalkeeper had an excellent game and thanks to her performance North Down failed to add to the scoring in the second half. Overall the thirds performed excellently as a team with fantastic teamwork and communication.

Thanks to Jo Irwin for umpiring.