Finlay on target in Larne’s draw with Banbridge Ladies

Leah Craig on the ball for Larne in the match with Banbridge. INLT 49-369-PR

After a slow start Larne began to take control of the match and earned several penalty corners and it took a last-ditch save on the line from a Banbridge defender to deny Leah Craig the opening goal.

The Banbridge goalkeeper was also on good form, keeping the score 0-0 at half time.

Larne continued to play some great passing hockey in the second half and were finally rewarded with a goal.

Another penalty corner strike from Craig was blocked by Banbridge but Michelle Finlay was on hand at the far post to slot the ball past the ‘keeper.

Larne seemed to switch off after the goal but it was a decision by the umpire which allowed Banbridge into the game. What Larne felt to be a fair tackle was deemed a foul by the official and Banbridge scored from the resulting penalty corner.

Despite late pressure, Larne couldn’t find the winner they deserved.

In the end it was a disappointing result but Larne are still second in the table and will hope to get back to winning ways again next week.

Larne : T. Neill, G. Russell, Rebecca Dalton, R. Beggs, M. Finlay, G. Rennix, Ruth Dalton (c), C. Holmes, K. McIlwaine, Z. Purdy, L. Withers, I. Carmichael, N. Kempton.

Leigh Snoddy scored the only goal of the game as Larne Ladies 2nd XI defeated the higher-ranked Owls Ladies in the Intermediate Cup.

The home side started strongly but Larne’s defence held strong. Larne then picked up their game a matched their opponents all over the pitch.

Great passing play through the midfield earned Larne a penalty corner and Snoddy was on hand to slot home one of her now trademark drag flicks. The local girls continued to play great hockey but the defence still had to be at their best to deny a determined Owls team.

Larne II: C. Morrow, J. Wilson, P. Crawford, C. Blair, T. Martin (c), L. Colborn, A. Snoddy, C. Greenwood, R. Henry, L. Snoddy, S. McGookin, S. Russell, D. Henry, L. Carroll, L. Booth

Fixtures (December 7): Ballyclare v Larne; Larne II v Omagh II (2:30 pm); Ards IV v Larne III (Minor Cup).