Hat-tricks for McCann and Johnston in Lurgan

North Down seconds had an away league fixture with Lurgan thirds last Saturday and made it three wins on the bounce in a comfortable 9-1 victory.

North Down started off strongly gaining possession in the first few minutes and playing fast hockey into the circle. A lovely ball picked up by Andrea Mockford in the middle of the pitch found its way to Jasmine Frazer and then to Emily Johnston who slotted the ball into the back of the net.  Within minutes there was another decisive attack from North Down who won a short corner which resulted in the second goal, a lovely deflection by Sophie Leckie.

In the second quarter Lurgan stepped up their game, gaining entry into the North Down circle but keeper Kathryn McGregor stayed calm making a super save. North Down controlled the rest of the play in the half with two more goals, both coming from Faye McCann, finishing the half 4-0 ahead.

The pattern of play continued into the second half as North Down played some super hockey. A lovely run into the circle from Hollie Davies secured a fifth goal and the sixth goal came minutes later with Sophie Leckie, Connie Magee and Rhiannon Davies working well in midfield. A quick ball into to Faye McCann in the circle secured another goal and a hat-trick for the young striker.  Lurgan eventually came to life in the third quarter and for a short spell North Down switched off resulting in a goal for Lurgan.

In the last quarter the visitors’ kept the game under control and delivered some great balls back up the pitch and with more super passing and work rate throughout the whole team Emily Johnston picked up another two goals for the second hat-trick of the match.

As the game came to a close North Down won another short corner and a fast injection for a straight strike saw newly appointed captain Jenna Frazer smash it over the line to complete the scoring for a 9-1 win!

Burch Autos Player of the Match was Faye McCann.