On Saturday the Seconds travelled to Stormont to play NICS in the late 4pm pass back slot. With only 9 players to start, the team warmed up and eagerly awaited the arrival of two more team mates to bring the numbers up to 11 v 11.

The first five minutes of the first half were unsettled due to the imbalance of numbers, however Donaghadee settled in quickly and put on a strong show with some great play across the pitch.

A short corner won by Service was deflected and cleared to safety by Donaghadee defender Natalie Jamieson out to Row Moore who was waiting in midfield. A super pass then found Molly McKee who eagerly pounced on the ball to drive up the left wing.

This was one of the best chances for Donaghadee to open the scoring but despite their best efforts, no goals were forthcoming in the first quarter.

Midway through the first half saw the team back up to 11 with defender Deborah Gilmore sliding into defence to allow Caroline Davison to sit higher up to clear the NICS attacks before they made it through to Donaghadee’s defence.

Midfielder Erin Hamilton worked tirelessly to win the ball by intercepting NICS balls down the right hand side. Through the middle, Tasha McGimpsey made herself available for lots of short passes, picking out Katie McKee who made several great runs to create some pressure on NICS defence.

Towards the end of the second quarter a penalty corner was awarded to NICS and they were able to convert to end the half 1-0. 

Early in the second half, a strike from a NICS penalty corner was deflected in the other direction by a Dee stick, giving Dee keeper Nicola Patton no chance to make a save as the ball trickled across the goal line, making the score 2-0 (though some might say 1-1!).

Despite best efforts from the team for the remainder of the match, they were unable to convert any of the remaining chances to pull the score back, with the final score 2-0 to NICS, with Tasha McGimpsey being awarded Star Player for this game.

The Seconds are away to Lisnagarvey on Friday 24th at 8.15pm with the 1XI away to Cookstown on Saturday 25th @ at 4.15pm. All support is welcome for both games.