Intermediate Cup Round 1: DLHC 1XI 5-0 Ballynahinch
Donaghadee Ladies’ 1XI got the 2025/26 season underway last Saturday with a home game in the first round of the Intermediate Cup against old rivals Ballynahinch Ladies.

Donaghadee’s starting team included two of three players making their competitive debuts for Donaghadee, with Chloe Gault and Rachelle Pearson lining out in defence and midfield respectively, and right from the first whistle the home team showed their intent. Within minutes the Dee were on the attack and threatening the visitors’ goal, and it was no surprise that in the fifth minute they opened the scoring when Carolyn Scott scored – a scrappy effort at the back post that was initially saved by the outstanding Hinch keeper but which was bundled over the line at the second attempt.

There was no let up in the attacking pressure but some great work by the visiting keeper thwarted Donaghadee until in the thirteenth minute captain Jordan McWilliams’ shot at the edge of the circle was deflected by a Hinch defender to loop up and over the keeper to double the Dee’s lead.

The visitors had few chances to get into Donaghadee’s circle but when they did win a penalty corner, Donaghadee’s first runner Jodie MacLaren put sufficient pressure on the striker to force the shot wide, leaving Dee keeper Faith McMillen yet to touch the ball.

As the quarter neared its end Donaghadee extended their lead further as a lovely interchange between midfielders Kerry Kennedy and Hannah Younge freed Hannah to drive into the Hinch circle, firing shot past the keeper to make the advantage 3-0.

Having hitherto created havoc on the right flank, turning her defenders inside out, Jess Moore took a well deserved five minutes off, with third debutant Ellen Campbell coming on for her first start,  and the fresh legs ensured the pattern in the second quarter was much the same; Donaghadee spent much of the quarter in the visitors’ final quarter but some excellent work again by the ‘Hinch keeper denied Donaghadee on numerous occasions and as half time arrived the score remained unchanged. 

The second half had only just got underway when Leanna McGimpsey-Young got a deft touch from a crash ball into the circle to deflect a shot past the keeper to add the fourth and put the game beyond the visitors’ reach. Despite the scoreline, Ballynahinch enjoyed their best spell of the game as they attacked the home circle but good work by defenders Paige Reilly, Row Moore and Kathy Sinnamon meant that Faith still awaited getting more involved in the game.

With Shell pulling the strings in midfield Donaghadee were producing some super attacking hockey and they ended the quarter on the front foot again but despite some great chances being carved out Donaghadee didn’t add any more to the score line until midway into the final quarter when Hannah produced another great driving run into the Hinch circle, finishing on target to get her second – Donaghadee’s fifth, and final – of the day.

The victory sees Donaghadee progress to the second round which takes place mid-October. With thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring and to NI Building Surveys for sponsoring the match ball.

Coach Willie McAdam was delighted with the result and praised a super performance from the 1XI to get the new season underway. The team looks forward to the start of the league next week when they entertain Limavady, pass back at BGS is at 1pm, with the 2s also getting underway at home to Parkview, pass back 2.30pm.

1XI Sponsor Shoutouts
We are delighted that the following players are being individually sponsored. If you would like to sponsor your favourite player, please speak to them directly or email us at dlhc@hotmail.co.uk. View all sponsored players here

Walking Hockey Postponed
We’d been looking forward to another go at Walking Hockey this Tuesday evening (16th September) but unfortunately due to pitch availability at BGS over the next couple of months, we’re going to postpone.

We’re thinking Spring time, lighter nights, better weather, back out of hibernation… See you then!

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