Four for Ali at Garvey
North Down seconds travelled to play Lisnagarvey fourths last Saturday in the league and with a comprehensive win behind them in October expectations were high of a repeat.
From the first whistle North Down were on the front foot with textbook passing from the backs right through to the forwards and were able to capitalise on two early penalty corners. From the first one Ali Millar scored with a straight strike into the left hand corner and from the second leading scorer Millar played a one two before slotting home from the penalty spot. The remainder of the half was an even affair and finished at 2-0 for North Down.
The visitors kept up the pressure at the start of the second half as Olivia Brown broke from the half way line to score a third and decisive goal. Garvey despite being hemmed back in their half were quick on the counter attack but the North Down defence remained firm and Brown added a fourth goal when she deflected a free from Keri Portinga into the net.
At this stage it was all North Down and Ali Millar completed her first hat trick of the season following a rebound off the keeper’s pads. There were further goals from Sophie Clements who got a touch at a short corner and Ali Millar who rounded the sweeper for her fourth goal to make the final score a resounding 7-0 in favour of North Down.
Report by Amy Jones