One goal enough for Randalstown

On Saturday the ladies firsts travelled to play Randalstown at the Antrim Forum.  Missing several players due to injury or unavailability, but having performed well in recent matches, North Down knew it would be a tight game against a solid Randalstown side.

The match started evenly with neither team unduly troubling the opposition keeper. North Down were struggling to get their passing game flowing but still created the first clear cut opportunity when Rachel Lucas was unlucky with a deflection following good build up play from Selina Lewis. The remainder of the half was a patchy affair with neither side playing their best hockey. Keeper Trish Neill had to be alert on a couple of occasions to snuff out any danger.

The second half continued as the first with play contained to midfield and both sides struggling to supply quality ball up to the forwards. North Down’s main attacking threat continued to be Selina Lewis who was involved in a good competition with her opposite number.

After 50 minutes Randalstown scored the opening goal of the game following a scramble in the circle. North Down began to press for an equalizer but were frustrated as the game continued to lack any flow or intensity.

Despite pushing forward, and putting several quality balls into the Randalstown circle, North Down were unable to create any clear cut chances and the match finished 1-0 to Randalstown.

A frustrating performance for North Down who will hope to bounce back on Wednesday night away to the Ulster Elks.

PMB Player of the Match: Selina Lewis