South ladies continue good start to season earning a share of the spoils

Following their successful start to the season, South Antrim Ladies Seconds continued in fine form sharing the points with Ballycastle.

Bathed in glorious sunshine at Laurelhill Sportzone the young South team, inspired by a number of junior players now playing in the senior ranks, battled hard to earn their third league point. Showing a depth of character after getting off to a rocky start when a free hit was intercepted by a Ballycastle forward putting the sea siders ahead, the South team made a great fight back. From the subsequent pass back the South team immediately put the Ballycastle defence under pressure when Amy Wright found Anna Dornan at the edge of the circle who hit a fine shot that was well saved by the Ballycastle keeper.

Anna continued to dominate midfield combining well with Emma Tweedie who found the tireless Claire Louise White on the right. A subsequent pass to Laura McConnell on the left was soaked up by the hard working Ballycastle defence.

Managing to create their own chances the Ballycastle forwards were unable to penetrate the South defence led by Emer Drayne giving another fine performance. Ballycastle’s efforts were eventually rewarded with a short corner but some fine goalkeeping from Courtney Mills kept the one goal difference at half time.

The change of ends resulted in a renewed effort from the young South team to have something to show for their efforts. A push up the left from Anna Dornan found Laura McConnell who made a fine pass to Danielle Heasley, who, demonstrating great skill, rounded two of the Ballycastle defence. The resulting shot was saved but the quick fire reaction of Claire Louise White gave the team the reward for their hard work.

The South midfield continued to attack and with some fine running from Anna Dornan well supported by Carly Niblock, Emma Tweedie and Amy Wright the South team kept up the pressure. Danielle Heasley picked up the ball at the edge of the circle and was denied a winning goal. Ballycastle responded well, winning a number of short corners, but South’s defence of Sarah Neill, Nicole Smith and Amy Louise White made sure South would share the match.