Finlay’s strike helps Larne progress in Irish Trophy

Larne Ladies’ 1st XI confirmed their place in the next round draw of the Irish Hockey Trophy with a last-gasp 2-1 win over Victorians.
Hockey update.Hockey update.
Hockey update.

Goals from Kerry McIlwaine and a late Michelle Finlay strike secured their passage to the next stage of the competition.

Larne began the match strongly, threatening the Victorians’ goal and preventing the home side from developing any meaningful attacks.

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Their early pressure was rewarded with a goal when McIlwaine drove into the opposition circle, before calmly rounding the keeper and slotting home.

The tables turned in the second half as Victorians dominated, keeping Larne under sustained pressure.

Larne defended well and managed to see off several penalty-corners with keeper Trish Neill making some crucial saves.

However, with two minutes remaining, Victorians levelled the match with a deflected shot. The game looked set for extra-time but a late penalty-corner gave Larne one last chance. And from the top of circle Leah Craig switched the ball to Finlay on the left post and she made no mistake in finishing the chance to send Larne through.

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

Larne 2nd XI was back on the road this week, and they recorded a 1-0 win away to Knock. Larne went on the attack with captain Tracey Martin setting up Caris Greenwood, only for the home keeper to react well.

Anne Snoddy delivered a number of dangerous balls into the circle but the visitors were left frustrated as the forwards were just inches from getting on the end of them.

Larne got their reward just before half-time when a defence-splitting pass from Carla Blair saw Martin receive the ball with her back to goal. She coolly turned to finish well past the Knock keeper. And that’s how it stayed as Larne battled to a hard-earned 1-0 win.

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Larne: C. Morrow, J. Wilson, P. Crawford, C. Blair, T. Martin (c), Z. Purdy, L. Booth, L. Coburn, A. Snoddy, L. Carroll, C. Greenwood, T. Dobbin.

Meanwhile, goals from Tyler Dobbin (two) and Lauren Carroll gave Larne III a 3-1 win against Mossley III at The Glade on Friday night.

Fixtures: 1st XI v Omagh (2.30 pm); North Down II v Larne II; Mossley III v Larne III.

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