Beattie and Hanley on target as Ballyclare defeat rivals Larne

Following a scoreless first half, quick strikes by Rebekah Beattie and Jaquie Hanley secured the 2-0 win at Larne High School grounds.

Right from the start the ‘Clare girls dominated, with Zoe Hunter and Vikki Milligan prominent up front, while Ballyclare High School student, Kirsty Shanks, had an impressive debut in midfield alongside Suzanne Dickey and Jaquie Hanley.

Occasional home attacks were capably dealt with by Gillian McMaw and Jade Purdy, so that Sara Coulter had an easy time in goal.

Two goals in two minutes midway through the second session secured the points.

Full-back Rebekah Beattie opened the scoring, after Kerry McLeod and Milligan had done the spadework, and almost straight from the pass-back Hanley rattled the backboard from a McLeod pass.

In midweek Jade Purdy’s strike against Banbridge ensured that Ballyclare Ladies picked up their first Senior Cup point.

But, having lost their previous two matches, this 1-1 draw will not be enough to propel them in to the knockout stages.

During the early stages the locals concentrated on containing the eager Bridge forwards, with Gillian McMaw and Jade Purdy putting in strong tackles, while Sara Coulter made a couple of blocks.

The visitors eventually forged ahead, but thrusts by Suzanne Dickey and Kerry McLeod took play to the opposite end, where Zoe Hunter, Jaquie Hanley and Vikki Milligan tested the keeper.

After the interval Purdy levelled the scores with a penalty flick, after Hunter had been fouled in the circle, and in the final quarter defences remained on top.

Ballyclare Ladies panel for both matches: S Coulter, G McMaw, J Purdy, R Beattie, R Campbell, S Dickey, K McLeod, V Milligan, J Hanley, K Bell, Z Hunter, J Wilson, J Jones, E Wilson, K Shanks, S McMahon, D McClenaghan.

Saturday’s home fixture is against Victorians.