Hoey’s Strike Seals 2–1 Victory for North Down Over Priorians

North Down hosted Priorians in a lively league encounter that saw plenty of end-to-end hockey and moments of real quality from both sides.

The home side got off to a strong start, winning a short corner early in the first quarter. The set piece broke down but Sophie Hoey was conposed as she picked up the ball slapping it across the goal mouth where Rachael Murphy was on hand to slot the ball home and give North Down a well-deserved lead.

Priorians responded in the second quarter with an equaliser, capitalising on a spell of pressure to bring the score level at 1–1. The remainder of the game saw numerous opportunities at both ends, with North Down creating several promising chances that just couldn’t be converted.

As the tension built heading into the final quarter, North Down found their breakthrough. Andrea Mockford picked out Sophie Hoey up front with a well-timed pass. Hoey drove into the circle with intent and, on her reverse stick, fired an unstoppable shot into the top left corner — a world-class finish that restored the home side’s lead.

In the closing stages, North Down continued to press, attacking strongly down the right-hand side and maintaining control to see out the game.

A solid team performance and a well-earned 2–1 victory for North Down, showing determination and quality from start to finish.