South ladies get first point

SOUTH Antrim Ladies got their first point of the new season in a hard fought Senior League 4 fixture against Newry Firsts at Laurelhill Sportszone, which ended in a 1-1 draw recently.

With the Ladies Seconds playing at Ballycastle, and regular Alison Marsden unavailable, the Firsts squad was reduced to the bare minimum which added extra pressure in what was a quite physical encounter. From the start the South girls seemed to sense that there were points for the taking as they started strongly with some great hockey on both flanks giving the opposition plenty to think about. Danielle Heasley and Charis Seeds were linking up well on the right and likewise Alannah Richardson and Anna Dornan on the left.

Despite having the majority of possession, South could not get the breakthrough and against the run of play, a lapse of concentration at the back let Newry pounce to get the opening goal. This was very disappointing for the Lisburn team as it was the first goal-bound attempt by the visitors. Almost immediately Newry could have made it two nil, but for a superb last minute tackle by Clare-Louise White making her defensive debut.

The second half started well for South with more possession leading to penalty corners and opportunities in front of goal. Second half substitute Eve Dornan was making her presence felt up front in her first match of the season. The team was reacting well to being behind and Jo Clarke was orchestrating play from the back. Eventually the equaliser arrived when Jennifer Morrow found Eve Dornan at the top of the circle and a clinical finish meant the sides were level.

In the last ten minutes either team could have got the winner with Newry finishing the strongest, but Courtney Mills in goal made sure that South held on for a well-deserved point. This was a match which showed South’s continuing development and proves that they are getting to grip with Senior hockey. There were many good performances, not least from Jill Cooper with tireless running in midfield and Sarah Neil as stand-in sweeper. Overall Jo Clarke was deservedly voted player of the match.

A reminder that South, now with two teams, are still welcoming new players who want to play hockey in Lisburn.

South would like to thank their match sponsor for the game, Lisburn Racquets Club.