Minor Cup: DLHC 2XI 1-0 NICS
The first game back in the 2023 half of the season for the 2XI of Donaghadee LHC saw the team taking on NICS in the second round of the Minor Cup. After the first attempt to play the game in December was postponed due to frost, the conditions on Saturday were at least good under foot, but the sideways rain and icy wind made for a cold, cold day.

The first quarter saw an early break from NICS which meant Donaghadee defenders Mia Park, Lisa Higgins, Deborah Gilmour and Floss Patton were under immediate pressure, with a super save from keeper Emma McGimpsey-Young to prevent the visitors taking the lead. The rebound was cleared well by Donaghadee and the ball was worked down the wing to find its way onto Katie McKee’s stick. Sporting a fabulous new pair of bright white shoes for the new year, Katie’s pace remained remarkable as she charged up the pitch to score the first goal of the year for the Seconds within the first 4 minutes. In a really open quarter where both teams had chances, Donaghadee defended resolutely to maintain the 1-0 scoreline.

For much of the rest of the game Donaghaee dominated, keeping good possession of the ball as they looked to build on the lead. Erin Hamilton, Emily Morris and Caroline Davison worked the ball effortlessly in midfield, dodging numerous NICS tackles to keep the pressure on. Zoe Turtle did a great job linking defence and midfield as she cleared any NICS attacking threats, passing the ball out to Carmen Van Der Schyff and Row Moore. Vicky O’Neill also worked tirelessly to sneak past defending NICS players, winning a number of penalty corners.

Despite both teams having chances, Donaghadee were good for the win, with the single goal from Katie ensuring Donaghadee progress to the next round.This week’s Star Player was awarded to Lisa Higgins for her class display of being the best attacking defender on the pitch, and she thanked supporters and 1XI players who came down and watched in the blistering cold. The Seconds travel to Edenvilla Saturday 21st to take on Portadown in the next round of Junior 9A league. All support is welcome as always.

The 1XI were unable to follow suit in the second match at BGS on Saturday, going down 2-0 to a well organised, third placed Castle. In bitingly cold conditions both sides did very well to produce any sort of hockey at all; Castle scored in the first quarter from a penalty corner before doubling their tally in the third thanks to a break down their left. Despite both sides having chances in the final quarter, Castle maintained their 2-0 advantage to see the game out.

It was fitting that Star Player for the Firsts was Jodie Ingham for another masteful display in defence as she tackled and organised everything round her!

Next up for the Firsts is a home tie against Holywood in the Intermediate Cup, pass back at Bangor Grammar on Saturday is at 2.30pm.

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