Three points on the road for ladies first eleven

North Down ladies first eleven, looking to build on their strong performance last week, made the long journey to Raphoe.

The team’s hard work started to pay off with excellent linking play in the first quarter with strong runs from attack and midfield to give outlets for the backs. Despite a solid effort the score at half time remained 0-0 with both teams soaking up a lot of pressure. Utilising more of the right hand side of the pitch with fast paced balls through to Rachael Murphy who quickly transferred it through to forwards Rachel Andrews and Kirsty Boobyer created increased pressure. Megan Murray stepped up in the press to intercept a hit out which led to a penalty corner. The corner came out quickly but was saved by the quick reflexes of the Raphoe keeper, however an excellent rebound by Jenna Pliauga put North Down ahead 1-0.

Buoyed by their goal North Down continued to increase the pressure and kept attacking for the remainder of the quarter with Emily Johnston slotting another rebound at the goal which was saved with a foot on the line for a stroke on the final blow of the whistle.

The stroke was saved by the keeper and the final quarter started 1-0. The team went down to 10 players after a card for captain Heather Brittain but adapted quickly and managed to keep the visitors out. Raphoe won another penalty corner in the last seconds of the game but another strong defence by Caitlin Taylor, Bethan Crawford, Heather Brittain and Caitlyn Adair kept the ball out of the circle and North Down ran out winners by the solitary goal. Burch Autos Player of the Match was Megan Murray.