Ladies firsts finish with a flourish

On Saturday the ladies travelled to play Castle in their last game of the season.

Despite Castle being bottom of the league, North Down knew this would not be an easy game as they had only won the reverse fixture 1-0.

North Down started the game well, passing the ball about on the sticky pitch at Carrick Leisure Centre and creating a number of half chances. The pressure told after fifteen minutes when Heather Brittain converted a short corner at the back post. This was swiftly followed by a clinical finish by Amy Kimber who deflected a reverse sweep from Selina Lewis. Heather Brittain decided to try the same trick at another short corner, this time deflecting a raised shot from Lauren Brown for a great finish. North Down were dominating at this stage and Rachel Lucas added a fourth following a driving run into the circle. The initial shot was parried by the keeper but Rachel followed up and converted the rebound.

4-0 at half time and North Down knew they could score more goals if they maintained their performance level and did not become complacent.

Castle started the second half the brighter side and converted a good short corner variation. However North Down soon ended any dreams of a comeback when Faye McCann converted at the back post after an unselfish pass from Selina Lewis who drove into the circle, drew the keeper and set up Faye. Amy Kimber then got her second of the match when she converted from a tight angle. North Down were now creating chances with every attack and they added their seventh and final goal when Rachael Murphy converted after good build up play by Lauren Brown and another unselfish set up by Selina Lewis.

A 7-1 win is always a good way to finish the season and was fully deserved for a North Down side who have been performing consistently well for the last few weeks. While the forwards and midfielders grabbed all the goals there was a significant contribution from the back four whose quality of distribution from the back was excellent throughout the game.

PMB Player of the Match: Amy Kimber