Junior 9A: Randalstown 1-1 DLHC 2XI
On Saturday the 2XI of Daonaghadee LHC travelled to face league leaders Randalstown at the Antrim Forum sports complex.

The first quarter started off just in time for the rain to come sideways for the first wet game of the season. The rain did not hinder Donagahdee however with Molly McKee scoring an early Donaghadee goal within the first 6 minutes. 

Donagahdee defended their lead valiantly, keeping the ball away from the Dee defence for much of the remaining quarter. In the last couple of minutes just before the whistle blew to signal the end of the period, Randalstown won themselves a penalty corner. Defenders on the line Lisa Higgins, Floss Scott, Zoe Turtle and stand in defender Molly withstood the initial attack only to have the ball deflect and land in the goals for Randalstown to draw level.

The second quarter saw the same level of determination from the Dee girls with Emily Morris and Erin Hamilton working the ball seamlessly up the pitch, with one terrific pass across to Katie McKee only missing the mark by millimeters.

The second half saw the rain get heavier but it didn’t deter the team who continued to try and find their way through the home defence, unfortunately with little luck in the circle. Randalstown began to push higher with numerous mighty strikes on goal, however, Caroline Davison who had taken on the task of being keeper for the day, was able for the task, making three very good saves to keep Randalstown out. 

Having survived the period of pressure, Natalie Jamieson then worked tirelessly to fire the ball from the Donaghadee defensive circle out to midfielders Row Moore and Chloe Ferguson who managed to return the pressure to Randalstown’s defence with several threatening advances on goal.

Despite an end-to-end finish to the match the final whistle blew with honours even: a very well fought 1-1 draw and a brilliant performance from all resulted in the entire team being awarded star players by coach Willie McAdam. Thank you to Kerry Kennedy for umpiring and the spectators who travelled to watch the team play. The Seconds are back in action at Bangor Grammar on Saturday 29th October to face NICS at 1pm, while the 1XI – who had a week off last week – will be looking forward to welcoming Limavady to BGS for the 2.30pm pass back.

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