Sixth league win in a row for the Firsts, and Sarah’s birthday – both a great excuse for a champagne selfie!
Senior League 3: Parkview 0-3 DLHC 1XI Donaghadee Ladies 1XI cemented fourth place in Senior League 3 with one game still to play, thanks to a superb 3-0 victory away to Parkview last Saturday.
The team got off to a flying start thanks to a Carolyn Scott penalty corner within the first couple of minutes and this settled any early nerves, with the Dee playing some excellent expansive and free-flowing hockey. Helen Herron in particular was bursting forward at will and could easily have had two goals to her name in the first quarter alone had it not been for a good save from the Parkview keeper and a shot that was close enough to rebound off the left upright.
Donaghadee enjoyed a lot of good possession in the middle of the pitch, with the other midfielders Jan Morrow and Chloe McGookin – playing against her former side – both snapping into tackles and giving the home side no chance to settle on the ball. There was some super link up play between midfield and up front, with Tasha Moore providing the high outlet on the right for the Dee, turning in a number of excellent crosses which caused the Parkview defence all sorts of bother over the course of the match.
Despite enjoying much of the possession in the first half, Donaghadee were unable to capitalise further to stretch their lead, meaning that the defence needed to be alert for the odd threat posed by the home side. Emma McGimpsey-Young – making her first appearance in goal for the Firsts – covered well, while Natalie Jamieson made several vital tackles to clear.
Rachel McClatchey read play well, sweeping from side to side to intercept any crossfield balls which allowed Jodie Ingham free to push up a bit higher to provide extra cover in midfield. Birthday girl Sarah Hooks even decided to show the forwards how it should be done with one mazy run that took her well into the attacking 25. Great gung-ho stuff, but possibly not for Coach Willie McAdam’s stress levels!
With Vicky O’Neill, Lisa Higgins and Caroline Davison all switching on and off to provide the fresh legs in midfield, Donaghadee continued to press and they got their just rewards in the second half thanks to strikes from Jan Morrow and Paige Reilly, both finishing off excellent set piece plays to put the result beyond doubt.
Final score 3-0 to Donaghadee making it 6 league wins in a row with 21 goals scored and only two conceded, an excellent run as the girls head in to the final game of the season away to Larne on Saturday. With thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring.
The 2XI are away to North Down, pass back time 1pm at Comber Leisure Centre.
Paige, Jan and Carolyn were all on target for the Firsts on Saturday
Paige put in a Star Player performance against Castle on Saturday
Intermediate Plate Round 1: DLHC 1XI 0-3 Castle Donaghadee Ladies’ 1XI were in Intermediate Plate action last Saturday when they welcomed Castle to Bangor Grammar.
The Carrickfergus side currently play in Junior 3, so the paths of the two teams had not crossed before the weekend meaning the initial stages of this Plate match were evenly contested as the two sides settled in to playing unfamiliar opponents.
It was a scrappy first quarter with both sides having chances, and neither side able to capitalise. The visitors had perhaps the best chance of the quarter when they won a penalty corner, but with the resulting shot going wide, the score remained goalless.
The penalty corner threat from Castle returned joy in the second quarter when an initial shot was saved but the rebound was well followed up by a secondary Castle forward to give her side the lead.
Donaghadee countered and were somewhat unlucky to find the Castle keeper in good form as they created several good chances in the search for the equaliser in the lead up to half time.
Donaghadee were undone by much the same move shortly after the turn around, with Castle scoring again from a penalty corner, with a third goal coming from a Castle counterattack down the left.
Donaghadee responded by pressing forward as they tried to keep their opponents’ defence under pressure; one Dee shot even came back off the post, and the red and green spectators could be forgiven for thinking that it really wasn’t going to be the Dee’s day.
The final quarter was Donaghadee’s best of the game, and further shots from the Dee kept the Castle keeper busy but a combination of good saves and that pesky post kept Donaghadee at bay and ensured the County Antrim side progress to the next round of the Plate.
With thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring and congratulations to Paige Reilly for her Star Player performance.
The 1XI are back in league action on Saturday away to Parkview (pass back 2.30pm) while the Seconds travel to Havelock Park to play Banbridge, pass back there at 4pm.
Scorers for the 1XI against Newry: Carolyn, Kerrie and Kerry (2)
Senior 3: Newry 1-4 DLHC 1XI The 1XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club were in Friday night action last week when they headed down the A1 to play Newry on a crisp evening perfect for hockey.
Donaghadee were looking to get into the game quickly to put the home side under pressure but it turned into a somewhat ragged start as the players tried to get used to the newly laid pitch which was slowing the ball down dramatically.
The home side were clearly more used to the surface and took advantage of some underhit Dee clearances to win a penalty corner which was cleared well to safety by Sarah Hooks.
It was mere minutes later that Donaghadee were awarded a penalty corner of their own but the scuffed shot was cleared, only for the rebound to be met decisively by the Newry keeper.
With Donaghadee beginning to settle and find some rhythm, Helen Herron made a terrific break through centre of the pitch, with an excellent burst and splendid pass to Kerry Kennedy in the attacking 25. With time and space, Kerry was able to get her shot away from the top of the circle with a cracking goal across the keeper to give Donaghadee the advantage.
Moments later, some quick thinking on a free hit from midfielder Jan Morrow released Kerry again, this time Kerry able to slide a pass into the circle, again across goal, which was met by Kerrie Turtle coming in off her left berth to slide it between the keeper and post to double Donaghadee’s lead.
Newry clawed one back just before the quarter time whistle with a well-struck shot from the top of the circle, the straight strike ricocheting past the Donaghadee defence to make it 2-1 going in to the first break.
It was a quicker start to quarter two as Donaghadee got to better grips with the pitch and good pressure from the forwards saw Newry under increasing pressure: the Dee had a number of shots saved, with Carolyn Scott coming close enough to hit the post, only for the ball to bounce back in to play and cleared to safety.
Midway through the quarter Newry began to attack down the flanks but they found Jodie Ingham and Sarah Hooks difficult to break down to create much immediate danger in the Dee circle.
Donaghadee dominated much of the remainder of the quarter, including almost converting from a penalty corner on 30 minutes when the keeper was beaten only for the ball to be cleared off the line in a last ditch sweep out as both Jan and Paige Reilly pounced to give the ball the few extra inches needed to carry it over the goal line; Kerrie then came close for her second as she rounded the keeper but the last Newry defender got back to clear. Half-time still 2-1 with both teams glad of 5 minutes to regroup and go again!
Donaghadee were straight onto the attack in second half when play was broken up in the middle of the pitch by Laura which left several Newry players out of position and gave Carolyn the chance to get a shot away from the edge of the circle; a brave save from the Newry keeper kept the deficit to one.
The Dee attacks kept coming: Tasha Moore, Chloe McGookin and Vicky O’Neill were getting through a lot of work in midfield as they looked to keep Newry pinned in to their own half. Some lovely interplay between the midfield released Kerry on the right and she made no mistake when she drove into the Newry circle: a shot smashed from the top of the circle left the keeper rooted and gave the Dee some breathing space with a 3-1 advantage.
Newry came back with a counter of their own and were able to win a penalty corner. The resulting shot was going wide anyway but Dee keeper Nicola Patton was alert enough to provide good cover and shepherd the ball out of play.
The final quarter saw Newry press up, and cheered on by their supporters, searched valiantly for their second goal. That began to leave holes which Donaghadee were sharp enough to exploit: for the Dee’s fourth goal, Kerry carried the ball out of defence, and firing a long ball right down the middle of the pitch, found Carolyn who picked up on her reverse before rounding the advancing keeper to slide the ball home to round off the scoring.
Another good team performance for the 1XI as they look to continue their good form at home to Cookstown on Saturday, pass back at BGS 1pm. Thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring and special mention to Helen Herron for the all-action performance in midfield which earned her this week’s Star Player.
Junior 8: DLHC 2XI 4-0 Ballynahinch The first quarter was dominated by Donagahdee keeping the ball in the Hinch half of the pitch for much of the play. This high press allowed left back Lisa Higgins take on more of an attacking position while team mates Rachel McClatchey and Floss Scott defended close to the half way line. Unfortunately, despite lots of really good attacking hockey, the first quarter ended with a 0-0 score.
Coming out with the same determination in the second quarter, the Dee girls kept pressure on the Hinch defence. About five minutes into the quarter a penalty corner was awarded to Donaghadee which allowed Emily Morris to slip the ball into the back of the net following an initial clearance from the Hinch keeper. It was a terrific first quarter from Donaghadee which saw them go in to the first break 1-0 to the good.
The second half saw Vicky O’Neill and Row Moore kept the ball moving up the pitch in their midfield roles with Katie & Molly McKee speeding up either side line to keep the Hinch defence on their toes as Donaghadee looked to add more to their tally. With Caroline Davison closing the ball down high up the pitch for Donaghadee, the pressure paid off, allowing Tasha Moore and Kerrie Turtle (2) to give the Dee an unassailable lead.
Towards the end of the final quarter a penalty corner was awarded to Hinch giving keeper Emma McGimpsey-Young a chance to touch the ball. Emma was denied her big moment thanks to excellent defending from Megan Gore who was quickest to react to the young Ballynahinch forward’s strike.
It was an excellent team performance from the Seconds as they ran out 4-0 winners, with special mention to Star Player Emily Morris. Big thanks to all supporters & Carolyn Scott for umpiring. The 2s return to BGS on Saturday 22nd January to take on South Antrim 4s in the first round of the minor plate with a 230pm pass back.
Scorers for the 2XI against Ballynahinch: Kerrie (2), Emily and Tasha
Senior 3: DLHC 1XI 1-0 Larne The 1XI of Donaghadee LHC have been gaining some momentum over the last number of games as the season reaches the business end, with the league programme scheduled to wrap up mid-February.
Larne were the visitors to Bangor Grammar last Saturday and since the two sides met in the first round of the Intermediate Cup at the beginning of December, the Dee have put together an impressive run which has included a 6-0 victory away to Derg Valley and a performance-of-the-season-so-far 3-1 win away to Ballynahinch in their final match before the Christmas break.
Larne arrived in Bangor on Saturday having won 8 games and drawn one in the league so far this season, and that Cup game against Donaghadee in December? A resounding 6-0 win to the County Antrim side, although by all accounts the game itself was a lot closer than the score line suggests. A team in terrific form by any account which meant that Donaghadee went into the game knowing that any sort of result would be extremely hard won.
Those expectations were most certainly not disappointed as Larne proceeded to throw everything – including a couple of kitchen sinks – at Donaghadee for the duration of the match, with the Dee pinned back for long spells in their own half.
It was an unbelievable defensive effort from front to back from Donaghadee, with the forwards trying to press and harry where they could, to the midfield tucking in to bolster the defence, and the defenders gritting their collective teeth in a true display of ‘they shall not pass’.
In one rare foray into the Larne 25 – possibly their first of the match, and coming not until midway through the second quarter – Donaghadee managed to win themselves a penalty corner and the strike team were under no illusion that such opportunities were going to be few and far between. Best make the most of it then.
A couple of swift interchanges between the Dee attackers created just enough space for Carolyn Scott to get a shot away, with the onrushing first runner managing to get just enough of a deflection on the ball to loop it up and over the diving Larne keeper and in between two flailing defenders’ sticks. 1-0 to the Dee at the half time break.
There was absolutely no respite for Donaghadee with Larne continuing to tighten every screw they could think of to get a foothold in the match but the resolute Dee defending continued, the Dee goal line unbreached. Crosses from wide, shots from the top – all were met and repelled by dogged Donaghadee defending: anywhere would do for the clearances, just enough time to regroup and go again.
And go again – and again – they did. Despite Larne’s best efforts – and they were legion – the visitors just could not find a way to get the goal they craved and with each passing moment, a Donaghadee victory edged into sight.
Where earlier in the season a moment’s lost concentration might have given Larne the chance of a last gasp equaliser, to a player Donaghadee kept the clearances clean and the tackles tight to hold on for a magnificent 1-0 victory over a team who will surely be challenging for promotion come the end of the season.
A terrific battle from both teams on the day with some excellent hockey played, and with one game to Larne, one now to Donaghadee, it will be a most interesting final best-of-three game when the Dee travel to Larne at the end of the season for the return leg of the league fixtures!
Many thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring. The Firsts will hope to continue their good form when they head down the A1 on Friday night to play Newry, pass back at 8pm.
Senior League 3 as at 11th January 2022
Junior 8: DLHC 2XI 0-1 Ards 4XI
Donaghadee 2XI welcomed Ards 4s last Saturday in the second billing at BGS in a (very!) fresh start to the new year.
Despite it being one of the coldest days of the season so far, the first quarter saw the Dee girls warm up and settle in quickly.
In one great attack, and despite occupying a defensive berth, Lisa Higgins found herself breaking free and heading three quarters of the way up the pitch closely followed by centre back Megan Gore in support, opening the field for a Dee attack which was well snuffed out by the visiting defence.
Despite cracking efforts from forwards Caroline Davison, Katie and Molly McKee, sadly no ball crossed the Ards defensive line meaning the first quarter finished 0-0.
The second quarter received the same level of commitment and effort from the entire team, with midfielders Row Moore, Lauren Mann and Carmen Van Der Schyff weaving the ball amongst Ards players to pass the onto the forwards as Donaghadee went in search of the opening goal, but with no score from either side it remained 0-0 going in to the half time break.
Coming out into the second half the Dee defensive line of Floss Scott, Megan, Lisa, Miya Van Der Schyff and keeper Emma McGimpsey-Young came under more pressure from the attacking Ards players. However the ball remained out of the Dee circle and one strong counter attack saw Vicky O’Neill shot only narrowly wide following a terrific breakaway run from Molly, with twin sister Katie also getting up in support.
The final quarter saw the ball finally cross a goal line in the last five minutes of play, but unfortunately for Donagahdee it was a shot by an Ards player who scored for her team to give a late, late victory to this closely contested derby.
Congratulations to Lisa Higgins who was voted Star Player for the team this week and a huge well done to the entire team for the effort and determination shown by all – especially just after Christmas!
The 2s return to BGS on Saturday to welcome visitors Ballynahinch, pass back 1pm.
Star Player for the Seconds against Ards was Lisa Higgins
Saturday’s scorers for the Firsts against Ballynahinch: Kerrie (2) and Carolyn
Senior League 3: Ballynahinch 1-3 DLHC 1XI The 1XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club wrapped up 2021’s games with a terrific performance and result against Ballynahinch on Saturday, running out 3-1 winners at St Colman’s High School.
Both teams started quickly, looking to play the ball at pace but it was Donaghadee who had the better of the opening exchanges when they created several dangerous chances. The first was converted by Carolyn Scott following an attack down the Dee’s left flank. Helen Herron broke up play in midfield before exchanging a deft 1-2 with Kerry Kennedy. The speed of the break opened up space high on the left for Kerrie Turtle to exploit and she threaded a pinpoint pass between the last defender and the scrambling Hinch keeper, with Carolyn sweeping home from close range to give Donaghadee the advantage as the first break beckoned.
Ballynahinch were quick to counter but the attack fizzled out when the end shot went wide. Further pressure from the home side won them several penalty corners in succession and with one shot hitting a Dee foot on the line, a penalty stroke was awarded and converted to level things up at the end of the first quarter.
Donaghadee enjoyed some good possession in the second quarter but a combination of saves by the Hinch number 1 and some last ditch defending meant there was no further score in the first half.
Having weathered that storm, Ballynahinch started the third quarter the quicker of the two teams, winning another series of short corners; the Donaghadee defence were in super form though – keeper Nicola Patton made two excellent saves to deny the home side with Natalie Jamieson on hand to clear to safety.
The defence were also doing their bit for the Donaghadee attacks too: a well-read interception by Sarah Hooks in the heart of defence got the Dee on the attack again and her neat interchange with Paige Reilly then released Kerry to have a shot from the edge of the circle, the Hinch keeper pleased to parry that effort to safety.
A matter of minutes later Jan Morrow drove forward on the right, the speed of her break affording Kerry plenty of space to pick off a pass angled across goal to the back post where Kerrie was lurking – the forward making no mistake with her first time sweep back across the keeper and in off the far post. 2-1 to the Dee.
Donaghadee then gave themselves a bit of a cushion midway through the final quarter when a free taken quickly on half way by Paige released Kerry who found Carolyn at the top of the circle with her back to goal. A quick spin evaded her marker and the forward was happy to repay Kerrie’s assist in the first half with a neat ball, again to the back post, where Kerrie was able to finish emphatically.
Ballynahinch certainly weren’t going to make it comfortable in the final stages and one break down their right saw a dangerous ball fired across the Dee circle but it evaded every stick to go off the far side line for a Donaghadee ball. Hinch then tried their best through a couple of penalty corners but Jodie Ingham was quick off the line to smother the first effort, and the second went well wide.
Undaunted, Donaghdee then pressed on as they looked for a fourth: Rachel McClatchey playing the ball neatly out of defence for Vicky O’Neill to run on to with the final whistle going just before the Dee could get one last shot away.
Final score 3-1 to Donaghadee in what was an excellent team performance, with Kerry Kennedy being voted Star Player by her team mates. Thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring duties.
The 1XI’s Star Player: Kerry pulled the strings in midfield on Saturday
Junior League 8: Holywood 3-0 DLHC 2XI The Seconds difficult run of results continued against a strong Holywood side on Saturday but there was no lack of effort from the Dee girls, with not one but two Star Players there – well done to Megan and Lauren for their performances in midfield.
Both teams now have a break until the leagues resume on 8th January, with both teams at home – the 1XI entertain Larne while the Seconds welcome Ards.
Fundraising Ballot A massive thank you to everyone who donated prizes and bought tickets for our first big fundraiser of the year. All funds will go towards covering pitch and insurance costs and are invaluable to help us keep going, so thank you, all. The winners are as follows:
1st Painting by Mark Cooper – Charlotte Kennedy 2nd Burgess Performance Training – Sheelagh Barrett 3rd Foxes Den voucher – Ruth Michael 4th 6 Bottles of wine – Jill Dennison 5th Tower Air Fryer – Gavin Morrow 6th Beauty voucher – Andrea Brown 7th Cafollas voucher – Mags Ramm 8th Liquor Lamp – Ross Morrow 9th Annie’s Crafts – Peter Turtle 10th Saints and Sinners Voucher and Gin – L. McClatchey
Club Condolences As with many others in the community, we were shocked and saddened to hear of the recent passing of Daniel Ferguson. Both his mum Maxine and sister Georgia have links to DLHC and our deepest sympathies go to the Ferguson and Porter families at this time. As per the requests of the families, the Club was pleased to make a donation to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund.
The 1XI scorers from Saturday: Tasha, Kerry, Paige, Carolyn and Kerrie (2)
Senior League 3: Derg Valley 0-6 DLHC 1XI The 1XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club got back to winning ways on Saturday courtesy of a rousing 6-0 victory away to Derg Valley.
Conditions were horrible for the long haul west – and the rain continued for much of the match – but it was heartening to return to base with a valuable three points in the bag.
Having won pass back Donaghadee were quickly into their stride, wasting little time in creating the opening chance: an early Carolyn Scott strike was parried by the Derg keeper only as far as Kerrie Turtle who pounced gladly on the rebound to open the scoring.
Donaghadee threatened again shortly after when some tenacious tackling from Helen Herron on the left of midfield created some neat link up play and allowed Tasha Moore to come in off her right wing position to get a shot away. The Derg keeper made a good save to clear the ball to safety.
Derg then threatened in what was their best spell of the half: stand in Donaghadee No 1 Rachel McClatchey making a great save as she debuted in the keeper role before shepherding the ball wide, as centre back Sarah Hooks made sure to sweep the ball wide to safety as Derg looked to capitalise on their momentum.
That seemed to rouse Donaghadee though and for much for the remainder of the first two quarters, it was largely one way traffic; Paige Reilly popping up on the Derg back post to slot home from a well worked penalty corner to give the Dee a 2 goal advantage.
Donaghadee continued to heap on the pressure with a number of good attacks just not quite hitting the mark. The third goal was a superb team effort however. A quickly taken free hit from Jodie Ingham in the left back slot found Helen who made sure the ball continued its way down the left touchline to Kerrie.
Cool thinking and a beautifully weighted pass from Kerrie cut out the Derg keeper, with Carolyn on hand on the back post to slide the ball home.
Quarter three began scrappily, with both sides having chances to register the next goal: Rachel was on hand again to make an excellent save while at the other end, Vicky O’Neill found a pinpoint pass from midfield into the Derg circle, with Kerrie making a terrific run across the keeper and missing connecting with it only by a hair’s breadth.
After a few calming words from coach Willie McAdam at the third quarter, the Dee got back down to business and a much higher tempo from the team in the final quarter reaped the rewards.
Chloe McGookin was on hand to take a free on the attacking 23 and Kerrie reacted the quickest, steadying the ship by adding the fourth goal – her second – of the game. Carolyn then hit the post from a penalty corner before Paige forced yet another save from the Derg keeper.
The relentless pressure continued from the red and green. Lisa Higgins thwarted an attempted ball out from Derg, with her following pass setting free Kerry Kennedy in the central midfield area. A neat one-two with Chloe gave Kerry the space to get a cross in to Tasha on the back post, with the Dee winger sweeping home a first time shot as the keeper stood rooted.
Donaghadee added their six and final goal of the day when Kerry buried a shot from the edge of the circle after a succession of attacking penalty corners for the Dee in what turned out to be a soaking but satisfying day for the Dee.
It was a close run thing for Star Player this week but it was great to see Tasha Moore being rewarded for her goal and tireless running! Next up for the 1XI is a trip to St Colman’s High School on Saturday, pass back 1pm, in what will be the final weekend of action before the Christmas break.
The 2XI went down 4-0 to a strong NICS side on Saturday. Star Player there was Emma McGimpsey who got the kudos for stepping in to the pads and kickers for this match. The Seconds play Holywood at Londonderry Park on Saturday in an early match, pass back there 11.30am.
Tasha (left) was on target for the 1XI while Erin scored against North Down for the Seconds
Senior 3: Limavady 4-1 Donaghadee LHC 1XI The howling gale of the previous night might have died down minimally for Donaghadee’s two home matches on Saturday but the remnants of Storm Arwen were still very much making themselves felt as the 1XI took to the pitch at BGS in the 1 o’clock slot: the biting wind sweeping the length of the pitch while also somehow swirling round, the occasional hail shower peppering bare skin and keeping hands frozen on sticks.
Despite the inclement weather it was a good start from Donaghadee with the home side creating good chances: both Carolyn Scott and Natasha Moore had opportunities to give the Dee an early lead but the resulting shots were just off target. The Dee continued to dominate with Kerry Kennedy operating in the middle of the pitch and providing the through balls for the forwards to latch on to.
Kerrie Turtle made a number of tireless runs in the high forward position and she came within inches of connecting with the superb attacking balls on a couple of occasions but the pace was just too strong for her to make good contact and the chances went unconverted.
With Lauren Mann and Row Moore switching on and off on the right of midfield, the protection provided to the Dee defence meant it was midway through the first quarter before Limavady made any real inroads into Donaghadee’s final quarter but when they did, Dee keeper Nicola Patton was on hand to make a smart save, only for the rebound to be met by a fellow forward following up. 1-0 to Limavady.
The second quarter started in much the same vein with Donaghadee dominating the play in the early exchanges only for Limavady to mount a counter attack down their right with the resulting cross leaving a tap in for the centre forward and a 2 goal advantage going into the break.
The second half saw Limavady getting into their stride and Donaghadee’s defence were called on as the pressure mounted. There were plenty of cool heads with some excellent interceptions: Sarah Hooks pulled the strings in the heart of the defence, marshalling her team-mates well to cut out the threats. Rachel McClatchey – this week’s Star Player – also had a stormer on the right of Donaghadee’s defence, while Lisa Higgins used every inch of her experience on the left to prevent the threats coming from that side.
Limavady scored their third when a break from midfield caused confusion in the Dee ranks and allowed the visitors to consolidate their lead with a third goal, but Donaghadee were by no means out of it. Super work from Emily Morris in midfield put the Dee on the front foot, with Helen bursting through into the attacking circle. The resulting scramble saw Limavady win the free out and that danger passed.
Donaghadee then won a penalty corner and from the resulting shot one a second thanks to injector Paige Reilly finding a Limavady foot as she tried to get on the end of a rebound from the initial shot. The Dee then had the ball in the back of the Limavady net but the shot was adjudged to have been too high and was therefore chalked off.
Shortly into the final quarter Limavady found themselves in a similar situation but after a long discussion by the umpires the goal was deemed legal, leaving the Dee ranks perplexed by the decision. Unbowed on they carried, heaping sustained pressure on to the visitors: a penalty corner to the Dee had the Limavady keeper beaten but a desperate late lunge cleared the ball from the line; a further penalty corner was saved by the Limavady keeper; and finally a drive upfield from defence from Sarah created a chance for Donaghadee, with Natasha getting some redemption for Donaghadee with a lofted finish from a tight angle to give Donaghadee a more than deserved consolation goal.
Final score 4-1 to Limavady, with Star Player going to Rachel McClatchey and thanks to Neil Russell for umpiring. The Firsts are next in action when they face a Friday night trip to Larne for the second round of the Intermediate Cup, pass back at Larne Grammar 7.45pm.
Junior League 8: DLHC 2XI 1-2 North Down With the conditions not improving as the afternoon wore on, the two teams opted to play shortened quarters and North Down got proceedings underway.
They enjoyed some good early possession but they found Donaghadee keeper Siobhan McAdam in inspired form – a double save followed by a further save a couple of minutes later thwarted the visitors as they searched for the opening goal.
Settling into the game Donaghadee then enjoyed some good attacking play but despite efforts to get the ball in from both wings, there were no shots to trouble the North Down keeper.
North Down hit Donaghadee with a strong counterattack down the right; Siobhan made a good initial save but North Down were the quicker to react and they pounced on the rebound to take the lead.
It took the Dee less than five minutes to draw level however, with Donaghadee winning the ball well in midfield with Erin Hamilton popping up on the left of the attacking circle to score the equaliser.
In what then became a delicately balanced and well-fought context, both teams had chances and both defences played well to keep the score level. North Down used their width well and it was their young right winger who made a lot of ground and created the space to get a blistering shot away from a tight angle.
It was a worthy match winner but on balance of play, Donaghadee were a little unlucky not to have taken a point from a heart-warming performance on a freezing day.
Congratulations to Siobhan and Erin for being voted joint Star Players, with thanks to Kerry Kennedy for umpiring. The 2XI are next in action at home on Saturday in the rearranged fixtue against Banbridge, pass back 1pm.
Fundraising Ballot There are still some tickets available if you would like to purchase to help with this year’s fundraiser. Please see any of the committee to buy yours.
Senior 3: Instonians 1-0 DLHC 1XI The score will go down as a 1-0 win for Instonians last Friday night but the 1XI of Donaghadee LHC put in a performance that was worthy of taking at least a point from this game.
The early stages of the match saw a lot of early pressure from the home side, including two penalty corners cleared to safety, with Dee keeper Nicola Patton making a smart early save, with Sarah Hooks mopping up to clear the follow up danger.
Donaghadee countered with Paige Reilly firing a long ball forward and, with the ball slowing dramatically on the heavy surface, forward Carolyn Scott was unlucky in her chase, the ball just evading her outreached stick to trickle off the back line for a hit out.
Tasha Moore, back in the side following an injury layoff then beat two defenders in a foot race on the left as the Instonians keeper stayed back but a covering defender just got back in time to nick the ball off the end of Tasha’s stick before she could get a shot away.
With both teams intent on playing attacking hockey, there were chances created at either end. Attacking for Donaghadee, a break in the final minute of the quarter by Carolyn set Kerry Kennedy free into circle but the ball clipped a Dee foot to relieve the pressure on the home side.
At the other end, there was some great work in defence by Megan Gore, Rachel McClatchey and Jodie Ingham, all working hard in the defensive positions to prevent any crosses coming in from the flanks, and Chloe McGookin breaking up the play coming through the middle of the pitch.
Quarter two followed very much the same pattern, with chances for both teams. Kerry had two terrific breaks into the attacking circle, but some last ditch defending by Inst kept her out and kept the score goalless. Helen Herron too was providing some excellent outlet balls to keep Donaghadee on the front foot; often surrounded by two or three yellow shirts, she still more often than not managed to wriggle free, usually with the ball glued to the end of her stick!
Quarter three showed with Instonians are top of the league. They piled on the pressure and began to have a bit more of the play but again Donaghadee coped well and held firm as a defensive unit, until midway through the quarter when a long corner took a late deflection and into the corner of the goal to give the home side the lead The final quarter was again very end to end with chances snuffed out by two excellent defences.
With Row Moore, Jan Morrow and Lauren Mann all switching in and out in midfield, Donaghadee kept asking questions of their hosts, and some great work down the left set Kerry free into the circle where she did brilliantly to win Donaghadee’s first – and only – penalty corner of the match with three minutes left.
A double save from the Instonians defence thwarted the efforts and the home team were able to hold on for a very hard-fought 1-0 victory.
Helen Herron was voted Star Player by her team mates for her tireless running in midfield this week and she thanked Mike Smyth for umpiring. The Firsts are next in action at home to Limavady on Saturday, pass back at Bangor Grammar 1pm.
The 2XI side which played against Saintfield on Saturday
Junior League 8: DLHC 2XI 0-0 Saintfield Despite several players only returning from the dreaded ‘super flu’ that’s been doing the rounds, the 2XI of DLHC had a great game on Saturday against Saintfield at BGS. It may have been a 0-0 draw but it was nothing short of exciting.
The Dee got off to a fighting start in the first quarter, with great match play and breaks up the pitch to keep the pressure on the Saintfield defence.
Saintfield came out raring to go in the second quarter but the Donaghadee defence were not to be outdone and did brilliantly to put off any Saintfield attacks, with every player putting in a great shift from beginning to end.
The third quarter saw a patient Donaghadee winning several penalty corners and again making some lovely breaks up the wings as they tried to find the breakthrough. However they just couldn’t get the ball across the goal line to give themselves the advantage.
With the match drawing to a close, the final quarter was dominated by the girls in red and green, with lots of great passing and match play all over the pitch. Unfortunately a goal was not to be but the whole team was happy to take a very solid point to go again next week!
Special shout-out to Star Player Megan Gore who not only played a great defensive game but made some awesome breaks through the midfield too. Thanks to Carolyn Scott for umpiring and to all supporters who braved the cold to show their support.
The Seconds go again on Saturday when they welcome North Down to BGS in the 2.30pm game.
Carolyn was on the scoresheet twice against Parkview
Senior League 3: DLHC 1XI 2-0 Parkview Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI put in a dominant display against Parkview last Saturday at the halfway point of the season. With a couple of positional tweaks and a slight shift in formation for this game, Donaghadee set up with plenty of attacking intent and it didn’t take long for the team to get into their stride.
There was plenty of go forward ball with Kerry Kennedy spearheading the midfield, ably supported by Helen Herron and Jan Morrow on the flanks. These three were certainly giving the visitors plenty to think about, creating a lot of attacks in the first quarter which required some decent defending from the visitors but with only one shot on target – which the keeper did well to save – the game remained goal-less going into the first break.
Within the first minute of the restart Kerry broke forward from the centre of the pitch, releasing a raking ball to Chloe McGookin at the top right of the circle. The midfielder, playing against her old club, forced a smart save but the sprawling keeper was only able to parry into the path of forward Carolyn Scott who fired home emphatically to give the Dee a well deserved lead.
Just past the half hour mark, a quick break by Parkview almost caught Donaghadee out but quick reactions from Sarah Hooks and keeper Nicola Patton cleared the ball to safety. The Dee defence were called into action once again, with a threat down the right snuffed out by Megan Gore before it came to anything. Lisa Higgins on the left was also key in cutting out several attempted exit balls down the line from Parkview, with both wide defenders maintaining a high line to keep the pressure on.
At the other end, with half time beckoning, Donaghadee had a shot cleared off the line as they looked to increase their lead and add a degree of comfort to the score line but they had to settle for the single goal going into the break.
Donaghadee upped the tempo again going into the third quarter, and a long ball from Helen in midfield found Kerrie Turtle high in the top left quadrant. She did well to get the cross in, with Carolyn’s snap shot rebounding only as far as Kerry at the top of the circle. The keeper did well to get something on Kerry’s high reverse stick shot, but with Kerrie pouncing on the partial clearance to feed back across face of goal, Carolyn finished off the siege to double the Dee’s advantage.
A strong run from Kerry presented her with an almost identical shot to her previous effort but this time the reverse shot just pinged wide. Row Moore and Lauren Mann both added fresh legs in midfield and the chances continued into the final quarter; Paige Reilly up from the back to inject a penalty corner was dreadfully unlucky not to get in on the scoring when her shot from a tight angle had the keeper beaten, only to be cleared off the line by a well-placed defender.
The final score was 2-0 to Donaghadee and they will look to build on that when they head to Shawsbridge on Friday night to take on leaders Instonians, pass back 7pm. Star Player this week was awarded to Megan Gore and she thanked Mike Smyth for umpiring.
Minor Cup 1: Bangor 3XI 5-0 DLHC 2XI The Seconds made the short hop over to the Aurora to take on Bangor 3XI in the first round of the Minor Plate. The Dee put up a valiant effort against a strong Bangor team but they were no match for the Junior 7 side, going down by 5. Star Player for this match was Lisa Higgins, with thanks to Nicola Patton for umpiring. The 2XI are next in action at home to Saintfield, pass back 1pm at BGS on Saturday.
The Seconds defence was kept busy on Saturday against Bangor
Junior League 8: DLHC 2XI 0-2 Parkview After a couple of weeks of no matches, the 2XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club were delighted to get back on the pitch on Saturday as they welcomed Parkview to BGS.
There were no signs of any rustiness, with Donaghadee dominating the opening quarter: a lot of good attacking down the right from Megan Gore, Emily Morris and Katie McKee reaped early rewards, with a number of Donaghadee shots being saved by Parkview including a scrambled clearance twice off the line with the keeper beaten.
Donaghadee kept the pressure on with two penalty corners on target, but cleared to safety before any Dee sticks could get the ball over the line.
Parkview began the second quarter much more strongly and a cross from the right was touched inside the circle by a Parkview attacker before an unfortunate deflection saw the ball hit the back of the net to give the visitors the lead after 16 minutes.
Donaghadee settled back in to the rhythm they had set in the opening period and controlled much of the remainder of the quarter, with Caroline Davison, Natalie Brown and Lauren Mann winning lots of ball in midfield.
There were numerous chances created by Donaghadee but no goals were forthcoming as Donaghadee pressed in search of the equaliser. It was great to see Claire Stewart coming in during this quarter for her first game back this season, and she was able to add her experience in cutting out several attempted through balls, working well with Jemma Thompson to clear any danger before it got near the Dee circle.
Quarter three saw plenty of end to end play, with both teams having chances, and Donaghadee creating lots down their left with Lisa Higgins, Row Moore and Kerrie Turtle providing some lovely exchanges to keep the attacking pressure on.
Somewhat against the run of play, a mis-hit clearance from Donaghadee was intercepted by a Parkview player who calmly carried the ball into the Dee circle to shoot across De keeper Janice McVeigh to score the second for Parkview.
The final quarter was nearly all one way traffic, with Donaghadee showing plenty of attacking intent and asking constant questions of the visiting defence but the visitors held firm to keep the Dee out, heading home with a 2-0 victory.
There were great performances all over the pitch for Donaghadee but Row Moore was voted Star Player this week, and she thanked Nicola Patton for umpiring.
The Seconds are next in action away to Bangor in the first round of the Minor Cup on Saturday, pass back at the Aurora at 2.30pm, while the DLHC’s 1XI will be looking to avenge the Seconds’ defeat when they take on the Ballyclare side’s 1XI next at BGS on Saturday. Pass back for that game is at 1pm.
Donaghadee LHC 