Senior League 2: DLHC 1XI 1-2 Bangor
It was yet another tight affair for the 1XI of Donaghadee LHC on Saturday, with yet another single goal the difference between three points and no cigar. This time, Donaghadee welcomed neighbours Bangor to BGS and as was the way in the pre-season friendly between the two, there was very little to separate the two teams.

Donaghadee actually created the first good opportunity of the match when they earned a penalty corner within the first two minutes, with Hannah Younge delivering a stinging shot that Bangor’s keeper was well placed to save.

Bangor replied not long after with a short corner of their own and with the ball heading for the bottom right corner, Kathryn Cunningham got her stick down brilliantly to deflect away.

It was a further penalty corner – now into the second quarter – that opened the scoring. A run and cut in from Bangor’s left wing saw a reverse shot lifted high across goal striking Row Moore at shoulder height. Donaghadee may arguably have had a case for dangerous play but from the umpire’s angle, it was deemed a shot on target and a short was awarded. The initial shot was well parried by Dee keeper Faith McMillen but an attacker was quick to pounce on the rebound to slot home to give Bangor the lead.

Bangor were quickly on the attack after the restart as they looked to consolidate their advantage but determined defending from Rachelle Pearson and Jan Morrow was stemming the flow in the final quarter of the pitch, giving Donaghadee a bit more of a platform on which to build. 

There were closely matched battles all over the pitch but in particular, Donaghadee’s midfield of Helen Herron, Tasha Moore, Jess Moore and Katie McHenry all got through a ton of work as they looked to feed Jordan McWilliams, Kerry Kennedy and Leanna McGimpsey-Young up front as Donaghadee went in search of the equaliser. 

Into the final quarter and as the game opened up more as both sides pushed forward, Donaghadee pulled off a defender for a forward to add more forward momentum, but as the defensive reshuffle settled Bangor took advantage to counterattack down the right and get the ball into the Dee net to double their advantage. 

With the extra player up top, Donaghadee threw everything into the attack, earning themselves two quick penalty corners in succession. Expertly injected at pace by Paige Reilly, the ball was crashed home on the second corner thanks to a thunderous shot from Carolyn Scott and Donaghadee were back in contention at 2-1.

With just five minutes remaining , Donaghadee continued to attack, causing Bangor into enough dogged defending to hold on for the victory and three points which takes them to the top of the league, while Donaghadee sit in eighth.

Another close game, but again a narrow defeat for Donaghadee and they will be looking for something from the last league game before Christmas against NICS on Saturday at Playball, Stormont.

Thanks to the two Ulster Hockey umpires and to NI Building Surveys for sponsoring the match ball.

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

Junior League 10: Limavady 2-0 DLHC 2XI

Saturday was a road trip for the 2XI – all the way to Limavady. After an early set off time and having travelled through every weather NI has to offer, the team re-grouped for a very quick warmup. 

Despite the rush, Donaghadee held their own through an intense first quarter with both teams playing some lovely attacking hockey.

Ellen Campbell, Erin Hamilton and Emily Morris were doing well to get the ball from the midfield up to Vicky O’Neill, Kerrie Turtle and Lauren Niblock  who, with plenty of running, were giving the home defence plenty to think about.

After the first break Limavady came out the stronger and had the majority of the possession in the Donaghadee half of the pitch.

However the defence line of Floss Patton, Megan Inglis, Natalie Jamieson and Lisa Higgins stopped many of the targets. Those that did make it through to Janice Mcveigh  were stopped right there – be it with a stick, pad, glove or on one occasion the grill of her helmet.

Half time and still 0-0.

The third quarter was much the same with Limavady still trying their best to get onto the scoreboard, and Donaghadee doing their best to keep them out.

An injury to Natalie’s foot saw a reshuffle of positions but it didn’t change much as Donaghadee still held firm, with Laura Hamilton at left back breaking down the play with determination to get the ball forward.

Caroline Davison was solid in front of the back four, keeping any threats at bay as the Limavady forwards pressed hard, while Kerrie was unlucky not get on the scoreboard as she had some brilliant runs into the opposition circle but the Limavady keeper was in great form to keep her out.

With Donaghadee having managed to hold them off until the final quarter, Limavady then scored two undefendable goals, both of which earned the congratulations of even the Dee players: the first a reverse stick shot which was unstoppable, and the second had everyone wondering if it had gone over the cross bar, as it flew beyond anyone’s reach into the roof of the net!

Well done to Limavady but the Dee girls came away proud of their performance against the league leaders.

This week’s Star Player went to keeper Janice for her star performance in goal, and a massive thank you to Limavady for providing an umpire and organising an early pass back to let the team get back for our Christmas dinner!

2XI Sponsor Shoutouts
We are delighted that the following players from Saturday’s match 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