Senior League 3: Derg 1-2 DLHC 1XI
The 2024/25 season got underway last Saturday and Donaghadee were down to play two away games 100 miles apart with the 1XI heading west to take on Derg Valley in Castlederg, while the 2s were off to St Colman’s in Ballynahinch.

With only 11 for the game at Derg, Donaghadee were aiming to hit their hosts early to try and give themselves a head start before any tired legs might start to kick in on this first match of the season.

The girls in red certainly did that, starting on the front foot right from the first whistle with captain Helen Herron setting the tone for the day when she made several strong driving runs forward from her role as the defensive midfielder!

The front two of Carolyn Scott and Leanna McGimpsey-Young were well supported by Jess Moore in the high midfield role, whilst her sister Tasha McGimpsey took up the wide right berth with Emily Morris supporting on the left.

Donaghadee’s tempo didn’t waver and in the first quarter alone, they were in the circle 18 times, producing a dozen shots with 9 on target – a sign of what was to come as the Derg keeper excelled in repelling wave after wave of Donaghadee attacks.

The home side countered on occasion, with several penetrating runs through the centre but each was well dealt with by the back four of Vicky O’Neill, Paige Reilly, Lisa Higgins and Row Moore. On the couple of times Derg were able to get through and get a shot away, they were confidently dealt with by Emma McGimpsey-Young in the Dee goal.

Despite the action at both ends, quarter time came and went with the score line still showing 0-0. The pace dropped slightly in the second quarter, but Donaghadee kept dominating play with the Derg keeper pulling off another handful of good saves and, despite Donaghadee’s best efforts, at half time it remained scoreless.

As quarter three got underway it was starting to look like it was going to be one of those days! Donaghadee kept peppering the Derg goal to no avail; despite having 7 more clear shots saved by the Derg keeper the Dee players just couldn’t get the ball past her!

As Donaghadee committed more to the attack in their attempts to overwhelm the home defence, Derg began to counter as they tried to relieve the pressure. With a minute left in the quarter a Derg centre forward intercepted a Dee hit out and raced into the circle to fire home to take a lead very much against the run of play, much to the absolute delight of the home team and supporters.

Into the final quarter and Donaghadee regrouped and kept pushing forward as they tried to get back level. The efforts were finally justly rewarded when Donaghadee finally beat the keeper only for a defender to stop the ball on the line with her body. A stroke was duly awarded and Leanna stepped up to lift the ball into the net to make it 1-1.

For the final 15 minutes Dee swept forward time after time, with Jess and Tasha driving repeatedly in from the right and cross after cross beating the defenders with the keeper saving another seven.

The pressure mounted with Carolyn, Leanna and Jess all having shots when a final attempt from Leanna in the dying moments of the game saw the forward spinning and lifting the ball into the net and finally the keeper was beaten from open play!

Final score 2-1 to Donaghadee, with thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring andJess being voted Star Player, though with full plaudits going from Donaghadee to the Derg keeper for her outstanding performance in the home goal to keep her team very much in the game right up until the very last moments of the match.

Junior League 10: Ballynahinch 3-0 DLHC 2XI
Donaghadee’s 2XI were on their travels when they took on Ballynahinch at St Colman’s. While the scoreline didn’t go Donaghadee’s way, it was brilliant to see a number of new players making their debuts for the club, and it will be exciting to see them settle in as the season progresses. Janice McVeigh was awarded Star Player for her brilliant display in the Donaghadee goal.

Both teams are at home on Saturday in the first double header of the season, with the 2s welcoming Saintfield in the 1pm match before the 1XI take on Holywood at 2.30pm. All support welcome!

Club Sponsor
We are delighted that Stanley Woods and Co Accountants continue to be the main club sponsor for the 2024/25 season – thanks to the team there for their continued support.

Web: http://www.donaghadeelhc.co.uk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/donaghadeelhc
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/donaghadeelhc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donaghadeelhc/