Dominant Firsts see off Armagh challenge

Ballymoney dominated from the start and Sophia Rodgers got the home side off to a dream start in the third minute with a well executed shot from close range. Ballymoney kept the pressure on the Armagh defence pressing high and giving them no chance of clearing their lines. Laura Finnerty made her presence felt with a powerful run down the middle before firing the ball between the keeper’s legs. With a two goal lead Ballymoney relaxed a little and let Armagh into the game, however Ballymoney’s back four Briget Cleland, Aine Kearney, Elle Kirgan and Rachel Minihan dealt with any attack.

After half time Ballymoney continued to pressure Armagh and Catherine Gawn was unlucky not to get her name on the score sheet when her diving goal was ruled out by the umpire. Catherine Knipe made a strong skilful run down the ring leaving a couple of players in her wake before firing in a powerful cross to Sophia who put the ball in the back of the net. Elle Kirgan was unlucky not to add a fourth goal in the dying minutes when she collected a supberb cross from Nikki Parke but the Armagh keeper smothered her shot. Ballymoney turn their atttention to the Irish Senior Cup when they travel to Dublin to play Hermes in the quarter finals.