Intermediate Cup Round 1: DLHC 1XI 0-1 Owls 1XI
 It was a heroic defensive performance by Donaghadee Ladies’ 1XI when they took on Senior 2 side, Owls 1XI in the first round of the Intermediate Cup on Saturday. Despite having a couple of early chances Donaghadee needed to – and did – put in an almighty defensive shift to keep the higher-ranked team at bay.

Despite a seemingly incessant onslaught from the young Owls side, Donaghadee worked unbelievably hard to keep them out. Indeed it was only thanks to a well-worked penalty corner 4 minutes from the end which broke the deadlock, with that single goal ensuring Owls’ safe passage through to Round 2.

With congratulations to Paige for her Star Player defensive performance, thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring and a shout out to Burgess Performance Training for sponsoring the match ball.

Junior Cup Round 2: Owls 2XI 2-1 DLHC 2XI
On an uncharacteristically warm October day at Mallusk the 2XI of Donaghadee LHC prepared to face Owls for the second week in a row, having beaten them the previous week in the league at BGS. This weekend was for Round 1 of the Junior Cup.

The 2s set off for their journey to Owls with 12 players and Zoe Turtle gamely volunteering to umpire the match, or so went the plan… On arrival at the opponents’ ground, due to a late illness withdrawal, Donaghadee found themselves with only 10 players. Thankfully a kind gesture from Owls to provide a last minute umpire, Zoe was able to step on to the pitch in her usual playing role, bringing the team back up to 11 players and ready to begin.

The first half proved difficult for the Dee, with the humid weather conditions and a strong Owls attack. Defenders Laura Hamilton, Claire Horne, Vicky O’Neill and Floss Patton held off any real danger to keep Faith McMillan safe in goals – for a good portion of the opening exchanges. 

With Owls earning themselves a run of penalty corners, Donaghadee were beginning to feel the pressure. However, midfielders Johneena Brown and Lauren Niblock were really getting stuck in to help the defenders. 

At the other end, a few quick breaks up the wing from Katie McKee supported by Emily Morris meant the Owls keeper suddenly needed to be on her toes. After both short and long corners in the attacking 25 the ball finally made its way over the opposition goal line. With both Emily and Katie on hand to make sure the ball went in, neither was quite sure who got the final touch, so both players found themselves celebrating equally!

The second half proved difficult with legs beginning to tire in the energy-sapping heat, but Donaghadee managed to keep the Owls attackers at bay despite numerous short corners and on target shots from the home side. 

Caroline Davison found herself dropping back to assist the defenders on numerous occasions but unfortunately for the Dee, Owls managed to slip a goal in to make the score 1-1 at the end of quarter 3. Despite Donaghadee’s best efforts in the final period, they were unable find another goal to secure the win. As the final whistle blew, there was a unanimous grumble as both teams realised the fate ahead: run ins.

Both teams took five minutes to gather themselves before keeper Faith, Katie, Vicky, Emily, Caroline and Zoe stepped up against the Owls keeper. Well done to all those who stepped up, but it just wasn’t to be on the day, with Owls taking the victory to see them through to the next round.

Well done to Katie our Star Player and massive thank you to Owls for their hospitality and providing an umpire. The 1s have no game this weekend whilst the 2s are away to Dromore at 12.45pm, and all support welcome!

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