Senior League 3: Limavady 3-0 DLHC 1XI
With a much changed side due to injuries and illness taking out half the team heading to Limavady on Saturday, Donaghadee knew they were in for tough afternoon.

They were the faster team out of the blocks and in the 6th minute a break down the right drew the defenders and a fast cross field pass just missed the stick of Kerrie Turtle, with the Limavady keeper stranded.

The home side started to build on their own possession and won a series of penalty corners which were well defended, with Dee keeper Emma McGimpsey-Young making a number of saves.

As the quarter end approached a defensive hit out from Donaghadee was intercepted in midfield and Limavady flooded the Dee circle with the ball being fired in to give the home side the opening goal.

The second quarter followed much the same pattern, with Limavady having the majority of the ball and Dee defending in numbers and looking for quick turnovers to counterattack. But with exceptional work rate and some intense tackling they reduced the home attack to just two shots (down from 8 in the first quarter), and just two penalty corners. At the other end Leanna McGimpsey-Young registered Donaghadee’s first shot on target.

Half-time 1-0 to Limavady.

Although Limavady tried to dominate once again, Donaghadee fought back hard as they tried to get on terms. Three minutes in and a super run from Kerry Kennedy into the circle saw a reverse shot turned away by the keeper; the first of four shots on target as both Kerry and Leanna tried to find the equaliser, whilst at the other end some great defensive work from Floss Patton, Lisa Higgins and Row Moore – well marshalled by Paige Reilly on her return from holidays – kept Limavady at bay.

Then as the quarter end approached a penalty corner for the home team was smashed into the corner of the net to double the lead.

The final quarter saw Donaghadee fighting hard to get back in touch, but in the third minute an attack broke down in the Limavady 23 and a quick break forward down the right wing saw the ball fired across goal and swept past Emma into the net; 0-3.

Rather than give up however Dee spent much of the remainder in the Limavady half, with two penalty corners and another shot from Leanna as well saved by the keeper. Donaghadee’s defence did well to restrict Limavady’s efforts to a couple of final long range shots.

Despite their impressive efforts however Donaghadee were held at bay and the final score was 3-0 to the home side. A great display from the 11 players who travelled and fought for the team, with thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring.

There is a double header at home on Saturday when the 2XI welcome Randalstown to BGS for the 1pm pass back before the Firsts play Parkview at 2.30pm.

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