Morale-boosting league victory for Randalstown against Lisnagarvey

Randalstown were looking to build on recent results and produce a good performance against their premiership opponents.

The game started of with early pressure from the Randalstown forwards on the Garvey defence, with strong running from Erin Getty and Catherine McGrillen.

Randalstown’s 1st goal came about 15mins into the first half. Nicole Moore finished with a great volley after a rebound from a defenders stick in the circle. Town continued to apply pressure with defenders Shelley Black and Alex Ogilby joining in on the attacking action. Randalstown were rewarded with a second goal near the end of the half after C-J Mcdonald got a touch on a super strike from the edge of the circle by Sharon Graham.

Throughout the second half Randalstown continued to dominate much of the play with Emma Clyde and Emma Patterson quickly stopping any Lisnagarvey attack. Town’s third goal came from a short corner after good work from Sharon Graham and Jayne McGrillen down the right. Alex Ogilby got an important deflection on the post from a Katharine McDowell straight strike.

Lisnagarvey got a consilation goal, from a short corner, in the dying minutes of the game after Randalstown seemed to lose concentration.

Randalstown will be happy with the three points but will look to put in a better all round performance in next weeks game against Armagh, in the first round of the Irish Senior Cup, which is to be played next Saturday at 2.30 at Antrim Forum. Thanks to Randalstown 1st XI sponsors Redz, Junction 1.

THIRDS

Randalstown III 0, Larne II 1: Randalstown Thirds took to the forum pitch on Saturday for their first McConnell Shield match vs Larne 2nds.

The decisive goal came just before half time the Larne attackers won a penalty corner and after a good save from the keeper they slotted in the rebound. Thanks were extended to umpire David Lamont and coach Andy Gleghorne.

FOURTHS

Randalstown IV 1, Grosvenor III 0: Randalstown Fourth XI hosted Grosvenor Thirds on Friday night at home for the first round of the Junior Cup. The match started with Randalstown being put under pressure with strong attacking play from Grosvenor which unsettled Randalstown’s defence. Randalstown defended well, played super possession hockey in midfield resulting in great forward attacking play. This provided a great display of entertaining open end to end hockey finishing the first half 0-0 .

After about 20 minutes of the second half, Randalstown’s determination and positive effort resulted in a counter attack which found Becky Hall. She ran through the defence leaving the Grosvenor keeper no choice but to leave her line and Becky quickly reacted with a perfect strike towards goal, which was met by Jess King who made sure Randalstown went 1-0 up.