Junior Cup Round 1: Antrim 1-3 DLHC 2XI
Donaghadee bounced back from last week’s league defeat with a determined and disciplined performance against Antrim, securing a well deserved victory.
From the opening whistle, Donaghadee dominated possession and created the majority of the chances. Kerrie Turtle played the ball into the circle, finding Emily Morris at the top of the Dee attack, but her effort was well saved by the Antrim keeper. Another Dee shot on target was also kept out of the Antrim net as the pressure continued, meanwhile keeper Faith McMillen was left mostly undisturbed in the Dee circle, patiently awaiting some action.
Eventually, Dee got their reward when a penalty corner was won following an initial save from the Antrim goalkeeper. Emily stepped up to convert, putting Dee 1–0 ahead. The remainder of the first quarter saw some excellent attacking play up the line from Rachel Nicholson, passing beautifully between herself and Erin Hamilton before the ball was played into the circle. Despite their best effort Dee ended the first quarter 1-0.
Donaghadee continued to control the game moving in the second quarter. A cracking cross-field ball from Megan Inglis found Rachel, who carried forward into the circle, only to see another excellent save from the Antrim keeper deny her glory. At the other end, Natalie Jamieson produced some excellent defending to win the ball back and launch another Dee attack. Antrim attempted to counter attack with a ball fired down the centre, only stopped by Caroline Davison who in firmly to make the block, promptly returning the ball back to the Dee attack.
Another penalty corner was awarded to Dee with Natalie’s initial strike being lifted into the air, Dee quick reactions saw Kerrie play the ball across the goal with a reverse into the back corner to make it 2–0.
On the counter attack, Antrim were awarded a penalty corner, but Dee defended it well with Zara Wood and Lisa Higgins showcasing some excellent defensive work on either posts. The game took a difficult turn for Dee when captain Megan was struck by the ball and had to leave the pitch, leaving Dee with ten players for the remainder of the match. Despite being a player down, Dee continued to show tremendous determination and work rate. Antrim managed to pull a goal back from a penalty corner in the third quarter, ending at 2–1.
The final quarter saw Donaghadee continue to push for a third goal. Natalie produced (nearly) one of the most impressive moments of the match, embarking on a fantastic run up the sideline, beating multiple players before sending the ball onwards to the forwards to continue its journey. Dee continued to threaten, with some wide balls narrowly missing the goal as the team attempted to extend their lead.
Eventually, the pressure paid off with the most impressive play of the game. Vicky O’Neill picked up the ball at half way and played it into the far right corner, where Kerrie raced across the circle and managed to get a touch just before the back line, meanwhile Emily was poised and ready at the penalty spot to finish strong with the ball in the back of the net to make it 3–1 with only 9 seconds before the final whistle, confirming a hard-earned 3–1 victory.
The scoreline was a fair reflection of the team’s determination to respond after last week’s league defeat. Dee dominated much of the play and, particularly impressive given they played the entire second half with only ten players, they showed excellent resilience, teamwork and determination to see out the win.
Congratulations to (???) who was awarded star player for their performance this week. Thank yous go to Antrim for their prompt first aid support, to Row for travelling to umpire and to the sideline supporters.
The 2s back on the road to Newry next weekend, pass back 4pm at Newry Olympic Hockey Club while the 1XI – having had a bye this week, are at home to Rainey on Saturday, pass back at BGS is at 1pm.
