Toon Pegged back by visitors

ON Saturday Ballymoney played the first of their back to back matches against Pegasus at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre and as usual it was a battle of the giants with the visitors edging it on the day.

With five minutes gone Susie Beany slipped the ball to Claire McMahon who was left unmarked at the back post to slot the ball home. It was a game that flowed from end to end with Pegs having the better of the play and the more chances but it was mid-way through the first half before any more scoring which came through an inch-perfect pass from Kate McConnell to Jenny Kyle to slotted home. Pegs could have added to their tally but for some good work by keeper Greer and Julie Nelson in defence.

At half time Money got an injection of Ballymoney pride and they came out the stronger of the two teams and indeed hit Pegs with a goal in the first minute when Susie Martin drew the keeper and switched the ball to Aine Kearney to tap into goal.

Both teams gave a fine display of hockey and it was a game that flowed but Money had the easier of the chances but could not convert, Nikki Parke was unlucky in the last few seconds of the game when she hit the ball on the fly towards goal and spectators could only watch in slow motion as the ball rebound of the post, any for Ballymoney it was a game of two extreme halves but entertaining for all the supporters.

Many thanks to all the spectators and manager Liz Lamont.

Team S.J. GREER, R. SUTHERLAND, J.McVICKER, SUSIE MARTIN, ANGIE HUEY, AINE KEARNEY, DIANE McNEILL, LAUREN BARR, NIKKI PARKE, JULIE ALLISON/ JULIE NELSON, RACHEL LIGHTBODY, GAYLE ADAMS

The previous Wednesday Ballymoney firsts played Victorians in the league in a game which was rearranged and played at Derramore. Victorians are to be relagated this season but pride was still at stake and it was always going to make it a scrappy game.

Money should have been 2-0 up after five minutes with strikes from Nikki Parke and Susie Martin both going wide.

In the 14th minute Vics had the chance to break their duck for the season when they were awarded a penalty flick but Sammy-Jo Greer was on hand to make the save on her bottom right.

The remainder of the half belonged to Money but they were unable to find the back of the net even with three penalty corners to their advantage.

The second half was a complete turn around for the Money girls and Nikki Parke opened the scoring in spectacular fashion when a fast ball from the right was swept high into the net.

Rachel Lightbody was next on the goal sheet when Julie Allison struck the ball from the edge of the circle and Lightbody was on hand to tap in.

On the 20th minute the provider turned to scorer when Allison took on three players and struck from the edge of the keeper past a stranded keeper.

The 26th minute saw Money’s fourth and final goal when Nikki Parke's strike was saved by the keeper but Sue Ruddock was on hand to turn the ball nto the net.

Final score 4-0 to Ballymoney and another vital three points for Ballymoney on their quest for a top four finish.