Carmichael nets the winner against rivals Ballyclare

Derby day action between Ballyclare Ladies and Larne Ladies at Foundry Lane. INNT 50-037-FP

Historically, these games are hotly-contested affairs and Saturday was to be no different. Larne took the lead midway through the first-half; Laura Withers scoring after some great build-up play involving Rebecca Dalton, Michelle Finlay and Leah Craig.

They had much the better of the play in the first session but Ballyclare equalised, thanks to a Jacqui Hanley strike.

The second-half was again fiercely contested with the majority of the game being played in the centre of midfield.

Larne did, however, score what proved to be the winning goal 10 minutes into the second half. Ingrid Carmichael coolly rounded a home defender’s attempted tackle to scoop the ball over the Ballyclare goalkeeper, who had got down well to save the previous shot from Leah Craig.

Larne had goalkeeper Trish Neill to thank on a couple of occasions as she sprang off her line, diving at the feet of the on-rushing attackers.

Larne: T. Neill, G. Russell, R. Beggs, Rebecca Dalton, M. Finlay, I. Carmichael, Ruth Dalton (c), C. Holmes, L. Withers, Z. Purdy, L. Craig, L. Snoddy.

Larne Thirds won 4-1 in their Minor Cup clash away to Ards IV on Friday evening. Anne Snoddy, Tyler Dobbin, Caris Greenwood put Larne three up before the home side pulled one back. Snoddy rounded things off with her second goal of the night.

Elsewhere, Larne Ladies 2nd XI were handed three points as Omagh couldn’t field a team.

Fixtures: 1st XI v Civil Service (2:30pm); 2nd XI v Belfast Harlequins 2nd XI (4pm); Ulster Elks IV v Larne III.

Larne Ladies Junior section has finished the autumn session with the under-15s, who have had a very positive season to date, losing 6-0 to a strong Randalstown side. The under-11s and under-13’s played at Mossley recently winning or drawing all the games. The junior hockey sessions finished on Wednesday and will recommence Wednesday, January 22 (6:30 pm)for girls in Years 7 to 11 (ages 10 – 15). The mini hockey finished Saturday December and will start back on February 22 (10 am).