Late Coleraine goals beat ladies thirds

On Saturday the North Down ladies thirds travelled to Coleraine for their first long distance fixture of the season but due to the early start and school hockey some of the usual players were unavailable. North Down have had a great start to the season winning their first three league games and going through to the second round of the Junior Cup after defeating Mossley 1-0.

The visiting team with a bare minimum squad of 11 knew this game would be difficult against a strong complement of 15. From the first whistle North Down felt the pressure of the Coleraine attack and within the first quarter successfully defended six penalty corners. The home team’s set plays were very fast and difficult to break down but Helena Press kept the scoresheet clean. The midfielders and the forwards worked hard to make a break in the play and had a few chances in the circle but both teams headed into half time at 0-0.

North Down started the third quarter strongly and settled into their usual play but this changed at the start of the fourth quarter when Coleraine scored two quick goals from set plays down the left wing. North Down heavily defended the remainder of the game but were unable to get on the scoresheet which remained at 2-0 for the home team. 

Burch Autos Player of the Match was Jessie Patton.