Brave Prior hold league leaders

North Down.............................1

NORTH Down came to St. Columb’s Park hoping to continue in their winning ways and consolidate their position at the top of Ulster League Senior 1, but Priorians had other ideas and fought out a close encounter to earn a very creditable draw.

Both teams tested each other with a series of exchanges won by their respective defences. Forward raids on goal were quickly negated by both sides and a draw always seemed the likely outcome of thius game.

Midway though the first half Priorians following a loose pass by the opponents moved the ball quickly forward to Kathryn Rough who found Karen Campbell in a scoring position. Karen calmly pushed the ball between the keepers legs to give Priorians the lead. Priorians held on to their lead and went into half time confident. The second half very much echoed the play in the first half with both sides probing for a goal.

North Down scored the equaliser following a short corner. Priorians tried hard to score the goal which would have given them victory. Despite Priorians pressure the score did not come and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Priorians will be pleased with this result as they continue to consolidate their position in Senior League 1.

Priorians: Claire Graham, Kristel Brown, Rhonda Curry, Sharon Anderson, Olivia Doherty, Bronagh Doherty, Kathryn Rough, Heather Manning, Holly Rankin, Netty Wilson (Capt), Michelle Riddles, Karen Campbell and Kirsty Taggart.

Meanwhile Priorians Thirds lost 4-1 to Ards on Saturday, at St Columbs Park.

The team started the game in high spirits and with great enthusiasm but Ards had strong attack and with fast past play scored their first goal. Priorians fought back strong but the second goal was conceeded.

After half-time team talk Priorians came out strong and Kim Currie found the back of the net and despite creating chances chances, they were unlucky not to score and Ards scored a further two goals in the second half.