Fourths winning run goes on!

On Saturday North Down fourths entertained Ballymena 3rds at Comber Leisure Centre looking to continue their season long unbroken winning streak! With a few players missing, it gave others the chance of trying different positions and proving their versatility!

The game began at a good pace with both teams having equal share of the play. The young Ballymena side moved quickly around the pitch but the home team closed down their play well. New sweeper for the day Emma Gowdy made excellent clearances and also young Lauren McCormack enjoyed a super game in defence marking her opponent and making good tackles.

Lynsey Stevenson and Pam Johnston in midfield connected well and North Down surged forward winning a number of penalty corners. Two corners in quick succession yielded two goals. The first was converted by Marion Millar after the ball was passed around the circle and the second was from a thundering straight shot from Pam Johnston. The home team went into half time two goals ahead.

The visitors made changes at half time to try and break though the North Down defence and won a series of penalty corners. However the home defence worked as a tight unit and soon cleared play out of the circle with Ashleigh McLoughlin in

goals making a few crucial clearances. Quick clearances from the home side soon saw the ball in their opponents circle and a sharp break from Ann McBride left her unmarked and allowed her to slot the ball past the keeper for goal number three. Confidence high, the fourths soon found themselves on the attack again and Julie Fisher intercepted a perfect cross from Lynsey Stevenson to sweep the ball past the keeper into the net. In the dying minutes of the game, North Down scored their fifth and final goal of the match. Julie Fisher made a run down the left, into the circle and popped the ball to Catherine Douglas who controlled well on the penalty spot and scored. There were other notable performances of the day but in particular young Megan Adams who showed great determination out of her comfort zone on the left wing. She made some great runs on the flank, winning frees and battling for every ball.

The final score ended 5-0 to North Down and overall was a great team performance however the result somewhat flattered the home team as Ballymena did put up a spirited challenge and had spells of pressure but were just unlucky not to score.

Thanks to Krista Blanchflower for umpiring.

Joint Players of the Match: Emma Gowdy and Lynsey Stevenson