Ladies thirds fall at Ards

North Down ladies thirds made the short journey to Newtownards to take on their local rivals Ards thirds. After having been beaten by Ards last season North Down were determined to get a win under their belts. Both teams started strongly with each team having their fair amount of chances to get the first goal of the game. The home team settled into their own game and won a number of penalty corners where they got their first goal. North Down fought hard to equalise before half time but the Ards defence held out.

For the majority of the second half Ards dominated the game spending a much time in North Down’s defending circle. Goalkeeper Chrissie McKee made some excellent saves but Ards added two more goals, one from open play and another from a penalty corner. North Down picked up their game and got their only goal of the game from Lucy Bell. Minutes from full time Ards were awarded another penalty corner which was deflected off defender Kathryn Rogers and saved from going into the goal by sweeper Rebecca Nield. All the girls fought hard to the end but it ended 3-1 to Ards.

Player of the Match: Chrissie McKee

Report by Kathryn Rogers