REPORT | 7 March 2026: Larne 1-0 DLHC 2XI

The 2XI squad that faced Larne in the semi-final of the Junior Plate, 7th March 2026

Junior Plate Semi Final: Larne 1-0 DLHC 2XI
It was a classic cup tie narrative when Donaghadee Ladies’ 2XI travelled to face Larne in the highly anticipated Junior Plate semi-final last Saturday. Despite coming up against a home side that competes in the league above, the visitors refused to be intimidated.

Right from the opening whistle, it was evident that Donaghadee were paying no attention to the league gap, with every single Donaghadee player stepping up to delivering a huge performance characterised by a relentless work rate, tight marking and confident distribution. They matched their higher-tier opponents stride for stride, turning the match into a well-contested, exciting and very even battle.

For the vast majority of the game, the two sides were inseparable in an end-to-end encounter where neither team was willing to give an inch. Ultimately, the heartbreak for Donaghadee came down to a single, clinical moment of quality: a remarkably smart strike from a Larne forward that proved to be the sole difference on the day.

While the narrow defeat meant the end of the 2XI’s cup run, the Donaghadee squad were able to walk off the pitch with their heads held high. To play so well and push a team from the league above to such a close final score was testament to all of Donaghadee’s players on the day.

Well done to Lauren for her Player of the Match performance in defence, and thanks to Row Moore for umpiring. Good luck to Larne in the final in April.

Both Dee teams are back in action this weekend, with the 1XI heading to Queen’s to play Club KV on Friday night, pass back 7.30pm, while the 2XI are back at BGS to take on Bangor on Saturday, pass back there 12.30pm.

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