Senior League 2: DLHC 1XI 1-2 Limavady
New season, new league, new opponents for the 1XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club last Saturday following the successful promotion playoff at the end of last year. Life in Senior League Two began for the Dee with a home fixture against Limavady.

There were very few signs of any early nerves for the team, with Donaghadee taking the game to their opponents in the opening quarter. Great pitch coverage in midfield from Hannah Younge and debutant Katie McHenry provided a solid platform for Donaghadee’s two wide players Jess Moore and Jordan McWilliams to press forward, with both enjoying good possession as Donaghadee looked to take advantage.

Forward Carolyn Scott was a hair’s breadth away from connecting with a ball fired across the face of goal that had cut out the Limavady keeper, while Kerry Kennedy had a shot from the edge of the circle blocked. In total Donaghadee had three good shots on target to dominate the attacking stats in the opening quarter, with Limavady’s attack limited to three penalty corners in quick succession at the quarter close, all of which were defended stoutly by Donaghadee, with both Kathy Sinnamon and Jodie MacLaren getting good blocks to prevent the danger. 

The second quarter saw Limavady settling much more into the game and it was they who took the lead in 25th minute, but a quick counter attack from Donaghadee saw a superb equaliser within 2 minutes; forward Leanna McGimpsey-Young got the final touch to bring the scores back level going in to the half time break.

The third quarter was a frantic affair with both sides playing open, fast-flowing hockey to create chances at both ends but good communication within the Dee ranks kept Limavady at bay, with Dee keeper Faith McMillen marshalling her defence well, Kathryn Cunningham stepping out from the centre of defence to cut out the through balls and Paige Reilly pushing forward into midfield to bolster the attack. 

Into the final quarter and with Donaghadee pushing forward in search of a second goal, play became stretched. Limavady took advantage of a breakdown of a Donaghadee attack counter to restore their lead, making it 2-1 going into the final quarter.

Tasha McGimpsey and Chloe Gault came on to provide fresh impetus in midfield and despite lots of end to end play there were few more clear chances. Donaghadee finished strongly and two late penalty corners saw Hannah thwarted by the keeper and Jess narrowly missing a tip in, leaving coach Willie McAdam pleased with the overall performance, and the girls disappointed not to have taken at least a point from the game, in what was a really encouraging start to life in Senior 2.

Paige and Katie were voted joint Players of the Match and they thanked Mike Smyth for umpiring and NI Building Surveys for sponsoring the match ball.

Unfortunately there was no match action for the 2XI, with Parkview conceding the match in advance, but both teams are in action this Saturday: the 1XI are away to Saintfield, pass back 12.45pm while the 2XI head to Donegal for their away fixture to Raphoe, pass back at the Royal School Raphoe 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

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