HOCKEY REVIEW: Ballyclare's Jordan Jones nets a double in win over Grosvenor

With only three fixtures to fulfil to complete their programme, Caroline Darragh’s girls are in sixth spot, well clear of relegation or promotion concerns. A strong finish to the season could hoist them into the top half.

Suzanne Dickey settled home nerves as early as the fifth minute when she latched on to a Rebecca Campbell pass and rattled the backboard.

Midway through the first half Jordan Jones doubled the lead, when she fired the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net, following fine approach play by Lorraine Ashcroft down the left flank.

The hosts kept piling on the pressure but a series of penalty corners failed to increase the lead, with shots by Ashcroft, Jessica West and Campbell being saved by a competent goalie, who was much busier than Sara Coulter at the opposite end.

After the interval the Grosvenor girls stepped up through the gears but with debutant Emma Wilson and Louise Holmes prominent in defence, and Coulter making a few smart saves, they were unable to break their duck.

In a strong home finish Jones doubled her tally from a Kerry McLeod pass, and ended all hopes of a Grosvenor revival.

Commenting coach Paul Harvey said he was very pleased with his side’s passing and commitment, and that he would be looking for repeat performances in the final three fixtures.

Ballyclare Ladies: S Coulter, E Wilson, J Hanley, K McLeod, R Campbell, L Holmes, S Dickey, C Darragh (C), L Ashcroft, J Jones, J West.

Raphoe Ladies will be the visitors to Ballyclare this weekend.

Club officials wish to thank all those helpers who turned out to make the pre-match Coffee Morning in Ballyclare Presbyterian Church hall such a success.