Two goal Heather sorts out Service
North Down ladies first eleven played Civil Service last Saturday at Playball Stormont in their latest Senior League One game.
North Down started well with Rachel Andrews and Lois Wilson attacking the right-hand side of the pitch to begin a very attacking game for North Down. The first half saw strong play from both sides with Bethan Crawford making strong low solid tackles in the centre of the pitch, preventing NICS from advancing to our circle. The first quarter whilst North Down dominated the score remained nil all.
Into the second quarter North Down came out fighting with Olivia Brown and Rachael Murphy’s skilful play in the circle, and Lois Wilson and Megan Murrays speedy attacks, North Down were awarded multiple corners. Heather Brittain found the back of the net from a broken-down penalty corner where she lifted the ball over the defender’s and keeper’s stick to put North Down 1-0 ahead. The NICS defence and goalkeeper made many fabulous saves as North Down continued their strong attacks from all over the pitch but they failed to add to their score which remained at 1-0 at the end of the first half.
The third quarter started with Bethany Burrows winning the ball back from Service’s pass back straight away and North Down started their fierce attacking play again. The North Down girls led by Heather Brittain played lovely passing hockey the whole way up the pitch to the circle but they struggled to find the back of the net. Coach Andy Edwards was proud of the girls but wanted more goals to reward the good direct hockey being played all over. The second goal was scored in the third quarter from an amazing strike from a penalty corner from captain Heather Brittain finding the backboard making it her second goal of the match and now lead goal scorer for the 1st XI this season.
The fourth quarter was full of North Down attacking play with lovely runs by Bethany Burrows and Kirsty Boobyer. Jenna Pliagua had some very dynamic attacking runs on the right hand side of the pitch linking well with Rachael Murphy and Caitlin Taylor. Civil Service kept their defence packed tight and defended superbly well thwarting the many North Down advances. For a period in the final quarter both teams were reduced to ten players but solid defence and attacking play from Caitlyn Adair and Bethan Crawford ensured there were few threats from the Civil Service team and North Down continued to dominate play.
The final score of 2-0 gave the North Down ladies another valuable and well-deserved three points.
Burch Autos Player of the Match was Bethan Crawford.
North Down ladies now meet Dungannon ladies in the Irish Trophy this Saturday at Comber Leisure Centre at 2.30pm.
