Singleton secures first victory for Parkview

Ballynahinch were the visitors at Ballyclare High School, where they tried in vain to salvage a point with a late surge but were edged out.

“The hard work we have been putting in at training sessions is beginning to pay off,” said captain, Clare McClean.

“Coach Becky Linford is well pleased with our improvement, and we were well worth our win.”

The Ballynahinch girls were early on the attack, but good tackling by Emma Stubbs and Wilma McCullough ensured keeper Kathy Morrison was not seriously tested.

Up front, Singleton linked effectively with Emma Bothwell and Toni Smallwood and in the 20th minute their efforts were rewarded when a penalty-corner routine involving Jenny Wallace and Clare McClean culminated in Singleton rattling the backboards with a firm shot.

The Down girls responded with several corners but were unable to get the ball past Kathy Morrison, who is proving to be an excellent goalkeeper after donning the pads in the absence of Sharon Gaffney.

In the second half Parkview were more dominant with Lauren Brady and Bothwell linking well together on the left flank but shots by Singleton, Jenny Morrison and Smallwood failed to produce the cushion of a second goal.

In the final 10 minutes ‘Hinch were on top, but Morrison blocked superbly to earn a deserved shut-out.

On Saturday, Parkview are away to Instonians to fulfil a league fixture.