HOCKEY: Ballyclare Ladies lose out to Raphoe

Ballyclare's Kerry McLeod starts another attack against Raphoe. INLT 14-912-CON Photo: David Holmes.

The hosts went one down in the first 10 minutes, when Jaquie Hanley’s free into the circle found Suzanne Dickey who promptly dispatched the ball into the net.

Ballyclare ‘keeper Sara Coulter was forced to make several saves but was beaten twice from open play to give Raphoe a 2-1 lead at the break.

During the third quarter the home side netted a third goal, but Jessica West reduced the deficit when she fired home.

Ballyclare Ladies pictured ahead of their 4-2 defeat to Raphoe. INLT 14-911-CON Photo David Holmes

Hopes of salvaging a point disappeared when Raphoe restored their two-goal advantage in the closing moments.

Kerry McLeod shone at right-back where she tackled tenaciously against a pacy opponent, and still found time to overlap in attack. On the opposite flank Louise Holmes and Lorraine Ashcroft linked effectively to pose problems for the defence, while captain Caroline Darragh directed operations effectively from central midfield.

“Raphoe just about deserved to pick up the points,” said Ballyclare’s Sara Coulter. “We passed the ball around well, but they had some very skilful players and we wish them well in their pursuit of promotion.”