Victorious Toon Third XI reach Junior Plate final

Ballymoney Third XI reached the finals of the Junior Plate on Saturday with a very convincing 3-1 victory over Junior 4 side, Belfast Harlequins.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Apr 2015, 08:00 BST
Ballym oney Third XI scorers Sarah Holden, Ellen Alexander & Emma Creelman three Ballymoney goal scorers. The girls helped their team book a place in the Junior Plate final on April 18th. INBM 14-15 HOCKEYBallym oney Third XI scorers Sarah Holden, Ellen Alexander & Emma Creelman three Ballymoney goal scorers. The girls helped their team book a place in the Junior Plate final on April 18th. INBM 14-15 HOCKEY
Ballym oney Third XI scorers Sarah Holden, Ellen Alexander & Emma Creelman three Ballymoney goal scorers. The girls helped their team book a place in the Junior Plate final on April 18th. INBM 14-15 HOCKEY

The Thirds started the match off strong after a team talk from coach Lauren Steen.

A new 4-4-2 formation saw Judith McCracken and Ellen Alexander team up in the centre of midfield.

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This change confused the Harlequins side and it gave the young ‘Money squad the opportunity to break in the middle of the pitch which they did within the first three minutes and they were rewarded with a penalty corner.

Ciara McGuigan pushed to Maria Doherty on the top of the circle and she was unlucky to hit it just wide of the left post from a straight strike.

The Ballymoney team continued to press on the Harlequins defence and capitalised on their chances with a goal from Sarah Holden 20 minutes into the first half.

The remainder of the first half saw Ballymoney have numerous chances but it wasn’t until the second half that Ellen Alexander slotted home for the second goal.

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A solo effort from Judith McCracken along the backline helped Money find their third goal as she found Emma Creelman on the back post to make it 3-0.

Unfortunately Ballymoney conceded in the dying minutes of the second half, a consolation goal for Belfast Harlequins.

Ballymoney would like to thank coach Lauren Steen and umpire Ruth Sutherland.

Ballymoney Third XI face Junior 4 side Priorians in the Junior Plate final on the 18th April and the girls would appreciate as much support as possible as they bid to bring the silverware back to Kilraught’s Road.

Team; Liz Lamont, Debbie Campbell, Sabrina Moore, Maria Doherty, Judith McCracken, Aimee Mc Caw, Ellen Alexander, Sarah Holden, Emma Creelman, Kirsten McLaughlin, Sarah Reilly, Lauren Henry