Honours even in top of the table clash

North Down took on Coleraine in a top of the table clash last Saturday at Comber Leisure Centre. Much was at stake for North Down as they knew a win would seal the Senior League title.

North Down started well with a good all round performance throughout the first quarter. The ball was moved around the pitch well and they had the majority of possession and chances. Coleraine were awarded a penalty corner in the last seconds of this first quarter but North Down defended this brilliantly with Rachel Mornin getting out to the ball quickly at the top of the circle and Coleraine being forced away from the goal.

North Down went into the second quarter with the intention of keeping up this intensity and they delivered. The girls were unlucky not to score up until this point after having great passages of play right from the defence, midfield and through to the forwards. Again, Coleraine were awarded a penalty corner and were awarded a penalty flick from one of their routines. Goalkeeper Barthe McCormack, who was having a great game, was unable to get to the Coleraine striker’s stroke which flew into the side netting to put the visitors ahead.  North Down kept their composure after this and controlled the game but were still behind at half time.

North Down reset during the break with coach Richard Glover giving a reminder of what the result could mean for the league. North Down captain Lauren Brown carried this encouragement into the third quarter and North Down were eventually rewarded. The skipper made a great run forward, picked up a pass, beat a defender for pace and was one on one with the Coleraine goalkeeper. She turned her with skill and scored to make it 1-1. The match continued to be close between the two teams but there was no more scoring between two well matched teams.  Coleraine had a few chances in the last minutes of the game but North Down did very well to defend these and see the game out.

North Down now have one game left in the league against Bangor with a win securing the title and a Senior Cup semi-final at 1.00 pm at home this Saturday against Mossley.

Burch Autos Player of the Match was Barthe McCormack.