United Ladies sit fourth in league

This season Ballymoney United ladies are playing in Division 2 of the NI Women’s league and are presently in 4th position.

Three weeks ago at Dervock playing fields they entertained Bangor Ladies and ran out comfortable winners 8-0 with a Nicky Park hat-trick, Carla Dickie 2, Rachael Martin, Lauren Marshall and Sirri Topping.

Next up for the ladies was a semi- final Divisional Cup clash against league winners Derry City at Ballymoney Showgrounds last Monday evening.

With Derry City being hot favourites to win the league and cup double, it was of no surprise when they took the lead after 15 minutes. However Ballymoney had different ideas and equalised five mins later from Laura McCurdy.

Spurred on by a great crowd of home supporters Ballymoney put on a passing display second to none with Nikki Park, Lauren Marshall, Sammy –Jo Greer, Carla Dickie all linking together to put Laura McCurdy through to score two excellent goals before the interval break.

In the second half Derry city lifted their game and got one back after 10 minutes.

However the Ballymoney defence of Samantha Hickinson, Rachael Glenn, Julie Newton, Andrea Harper and Claire McLaughlin were brilliant, stopping everything thrown at them and player of the match Alex shirlow was outstanding in goals.

With 5 minutes to go Derry City equalised and the game went into extra time. With no more goals the match went into the dreaded penalty kicks.

Ballymoney had the upper hand three times to secure victory but unfortunately missed out till finally Derry City won the match 5-4 on penalties.

What a great match and display by our ladies and they should be very proud of their performance! With three matches to go they have to play Derry City away in the league, then 1st Bangor away and their final league match is against Moyola at home on 19th August.