Donaghadee LHC

REPORT | 3 May 2019: DLHC 1XI 1-1 PSNI

Posted on 03/05/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

DLHC 1XI v PSNI, 1 May 2019

Senior 3: DLHC 1XI 1-1 PSNI
There’s been a bit of a break for the 1XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club with the team last taking to the pitch exactly a month ago against the same opponents.

PSNI have been playing catch up with their league games over the last few weeks and it told in the initial stages of this week’s game: the visitors looked fresh as they enjoyed much of the attacking in the opening spells with Donaghadee finding themselves under considerable pressure at the back.

As for much of the season, Ali Stevenson was the rock in the middle of defence, picking off attacks through the centre to break up play and keep Dee keeper Siobhan McAdam safe in her goals.

Two other defensive stalwarts played crucial parts in the early exchanges, with both Amy Long and Paige Reilly tucking in to tighten up the defence yet supporting high up the pitch when Donaghadee attacked.

Both deserve a shout out having suffered for their efforts this year – Amy playing much of the season with a broken bone in her foot, while Paige took a nasty crack to the hand a couple of months ago. Hardy creatures, those defenders!

With Donaghadee having weathered the initial PSNI storm, they began to gain more of a foothold with Kerry Kennedy grabbing the game by the scruff in the middle of pitch as she sprayed passes wide right to Vicky O’Neill and left to set Sarah-Louise Baird free.

With more go-forward ball Donaghadee started to threaten the PSNI goal; Kerry and Hannah McAdam both shooting just wide of the left upright before the Dee earned a penalty corner.

With Carolyn Scott just on to the pitch following a 3 month injury layoff (not as hard as the defenders, clearly), her first touch of the ball was to smash it past the prone PSNI keeper with a straight strike from the top of the circle. Cue a celebration that was neither dignified nor restrained but certainly heartfelt. Sorry about that, PSNI!

Donaghadee used the platform to try and create more chances, with Hannah unlucky not to sweep in at the back post and young Molly McKee putting the PSNI defence under pressure any time they tried to clear the ball from the back.

The early stages of the second half saw more Donaghadee pressure with Lisa Higgins and Helen Hooks combining on the left to make numerous forays down the wing, with Vicky and Erin Hamilton provided plenty of youthful energy on the right.

PSNI soaked up the pressure – their keeper making several very good, point blank saves – with the momentum starting to shift towards the visitors. Toria Wightman proved invaluable in the middle for Donaghadee with her excellent reading of the game ensuring she was well-poisitoned to intercept a number of through balls.

With the match entering its final stages, Donaghadee were unable to clear their lines without the ball coming straight back, and PSNI won a penalty corner which was duly converted. Both teams looked as though they were up for finding the winner as the game became stretched but neither keeper was unduly troubled further, leaving the final score 1-1: probably a fair reflection on the evenness of play.

Thank you to Matthew Sanchez for umpiring duties in this match. Thanks also to all the umpires who have officiated for us this season – your support and availability for us week in, week out is very much appreciated.

We’d also like to note our appreciation of our growing band of sideline supporters; it’s brilliant to see (and hear!) your support and shows what good health our wee club is in (better health than many of the 1XI this year, it must be said… Broken foot, bust nose, stitches in a cheekbone, several unhappy hands, a mangled knee, a troublesome Achilles and a couple of pregnancies to name but a few!)

With matches now finished for the season, we’ll round off the 2018/19 season with our AGM and End of Season Do to be held in Harbour and Co on Saturday 11th May from 5pm.

Lastly, pics of the match against PSNI will be available in our Action Shots 2018/19 album shortly but for now, we’ll let our esteemed outgoing club captain have the final action shot of the season…

IMG_20190501_205443_exported_stabilized_9001299632987659957

Posted in 2018/19 Match Reports | Tagged PSNI | Leave a comment

REPORT | 15 April 2019: DLHC XI v Ulster O50s and Hockettes on the Piste 2019

Posted on 15/04/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

DLHC v Ulster O50s

DLHC XI 0-4 Ulster O50s
League matches may be drawing to a close for both Donaghadee Ladies’ teams (the 1XI have one remaining fixture to play when they host PSNI, date to be confirmed, and the 2XI are looking likely to have one fixture left too, opponents/time/place to be determined) but the Dee were delighted to welcome the Ulster O50s to Bangor Grammar last week for a friendly as the provincial side prepare for the Interpros to be held in Dublin at the end of April.

Club captain Kerry Kennedy had a mixture of experience and youth to choose from for this match, with Dee keeper Siobhan McAdam turning out for the red and green in the first half before joining her Ulster colleagues in the second, and new recruits Erin Hamilton, Victoria Wightman and Molly and Katie McKee enjoying their first run out against the illustrious opponents.

Donaghadee started brightly with Hannah McAdam threatening early on from a Dee penalty corner, and Molly, Katie and Erin all charging forward at will. With Kerry partnered in midfield by the ever-impressive Helen Hooks (warmly recognised in the Ulster captain’s post-match praise of the Dee), Donaghadee certainly asked questions of the Ulster back division in the early stages as the visitors settled into the game.

As Ulster began to find their feet, Ali Stevenson, Paige Reilly and Amy Long started to come under increasing pressure in the heart of defence with Ulster impressive in their passing and movement. Their clinical finishing was also something to behold, with Donaghadee unable to close down two snap shots quickly enough to prevent the rattle of the backboard.

Undaunted, Donaghadee did their best to find an outlet with Vicky O’Neill probing down the right and Helen driving her team forward down the left at will as they tried to break and create a few problems for the Ulster defence.

Experience won the day in this case though with Ulster playing their way out of trouble with 1-2 passes and impressive movement off the ball, scoring another two to round off what was a very enjoyable evening’s hockey.

Thanks to Janice McVeigh for umpiring for the Dee and to the Ulster squad for the friendly – best of luck from all of us at DLHC for the tournament!

Hockettes on the Piste 2019
The fourth biennial hockey ski trip took place at the end of last month with nine club members making the trip to Alpe d’Huez for a week in the snow. With Alp d’Huez a totally new destination for all nine (previous trips have been to Sauze d’Oulx, La Plagne and Val Thorens) it was a voyage of discovery both on and off the slopes.

Marcel’s Farm Purple Run proved a hit with beginners/experienced and skiers/boarder alike – the purpose built 1.2 mile piste of banked corners, boardercross style features, gates, a small half pipe, tunnel and a cow slalom course all adding to the fun, though no one was brave enough to try out the freestyle rails!

While snow was a little patchy down at a mere 1200m (4000ft) above sea level, there were certainly no such concerns up at Pic Blanc (3300m/10,800ft). The panoramic viewpoint offered breathtakingly stunning views of the snow-capped Alps all around, and also marked the beginning of the only run down; big shout out to Ali and Sarah-Louise (first time on skis, no less) who set off down the longest black run in Europe… Rumour has it that not all of the run was done in an upright position but there are only two people who can verify that and well, what goes on tour, stays on tour, apparently!

There was plenty on offer once the pistes had closed too – live music, Irish pubs, fondues, dancing on tables in ski boots and (shh, don’t tell mum) that one nightclub that stayed open until 5am… Memories galore and friendships (re)cemented. Here’s to the 2019 Pisters, Jill, Emily, Sarah-Louise, Tasha, Ali, Kerrie, Kerry, Rachel and Carolyn and roll on 2021…

See all the photos here

HotP_2

Posted in 2018/19 Match Reports | Tagged hockettes on the piste, hotp, ulster o50s | Leave a comment

REPORT | 3 April 2019: PSNI 0-2 DLHC 1XI

Posted on 09/04/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

Scorers against PSNI Paige Reilly and Hannah McAdam

Senior 3: PSNI 0-2 DLHC 1XI
Last Wednesday evening saw Donaghadee Ladies 1XI face their penultimate match of the season away to PSNI. Always a tough opponent, the Dee ladies stepped up to the game with a strong 1XI squad turning out for the mid-week encounter.

Donaghadee took the opening minutes to establish a strong formation and get to know the opponent’s play which was fast paced, driven through the centre and made use of short, quick passes. In the opening phases the Dee made several key intercepts, particularly Lisa Higgins and Kerry Kennedy in the midfield, who delivered the ball up to the forwards and into the circle with aplomb.

A solid back line of Ali Stevenson, Paige Reilly, Amy Long and Natalie Jamieson meant that the long balls through from the PSNI were picked up, or run out of defence with ease before they got to keeper Siobhan McAdam – a virtual bystander for much of the action – and the space created enabled Donaghadee to switch the play around the back to allow Sarah-Louise Baird and Helen Hooks to drive forward up the flanks.

Despite great attacking play, a solid press, and time spent predominantly in the PSNI half, the first half ended goalless, but with a lot of positives to take away for the half time team talk.

The second half got underway, and Donaghadee were careful to take the time and re-settle into the match. After some fantastic interplay in the midfield, the ball made its way to Hannah McAdam who found the corner of the goal to give Donaghadee the lead.

The attacking Dee play continued to put PSNI defence under pressure and after securing a penalty corner, Paige took her opportunity to slot the ball past the keeper, making it 2-0 to Donaghadee (dedicating her goal to faithful supporter, Janice Reilly, on her birthday)!

Despite several really good chances – Kerrie Turtle agonisingly inches from connecting with a super cross at the back post and Vicky O’Neill bursting through at the top of the circle – the PSNI defence held firm to leave the final score 2-0 to Donaghadee. Thanks to Carolyn Scott for umpiring.

The final match of the 1 XI season will be at home to PSNI (previously postponed earlier in the season due to unplayable conditions), date to be confirmed, while a Donaghadee XI will take on Ulster O50s at BGS tomorrow night (Wednesday), pass back 7.30pm.

Senior 3 7th April 2019

Posted in 2018/19 Match Reports | Tagged PSNI | Leave a comment

REPORT | 9 March 2019: DLHC 1XI 0-2 Ballynahinch

Posted on 11/03/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

William McAdam of Stanley Woods Accountants presents the match ball to Sarah-Louise Baird

Senior 3: DLHC 1XI 0-2 Ballynahinch
It’s been something of an annus horribilus for the 1XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club this year in terms of injury and unavailability with a different team taking to the pitch virtually every match this year.

Saturday was no different but, thanks to the 2XI’s fixture away to Parkview being postponed due to an unplayable pitch, stand in captain Sarah-Louise Baird was delighted to be able to call up youngsters Katie and Molly McKee, Erin Hamilton and Vicky O’Neill to the team to face Ballynahinch at BGS.

The Dee dominated the opening periods of this mid table clash, with Katie and Molly tearing up and down the flanks at will and Vicky using the experience she’s gained from 1XI minutes this season to distribute calmly and turn defence to attack.

With Donaghadee pinning Ballynahinch in for sustained periods in the opening spells, the Dee midfield were able to push high to prevent any respite: Helen Hooks was her usual industrious self in the central role while Sarah-Louise took several opportunities to drive along the by line as she searched for the killer ball to high forward Hannah McAdam.

Despite the early pressure the visiting defence kept their keeper reasonably safe and they weathered the red and green storm. It was a breakaway goal by Ballynahinch which opened the scoring before they added a second just before half time to give themselves a substantial cushion.

The second half was an open affair as Donaghadee went in search of their first goal and Hinch did their best to counter. They found Amy Long and Paige Reilly in imperious form however, with Laura Boyle, dropping deep centrally, cutting out several attempts by Ballynahinch to get through to Dee keeper Siobhan McAdam.

Going forward, Lisa Higgins added her experience to turn defence to attack, showing the willing running off the ball to provide space for the pass. One such move freed Hannah in the circle but the resulting shot was just the wrong side of the post for the Dee.

Erin, finding herself on the edge of her own circle in the dying stages, showed how much she has learnt since joining the Dee at the start of the season with a super block which she then turned to the Dee’s advantage to get them attacking again.

Despite the attacking promise however, Donaghadee were unable to breach the Hinch line and the final score remained 2-0 to the away side.

Thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring and to William McAdam of Stanley Woods Accountants for sponsoring the match ball, with special mention to William’s Coleraine 2XI who clinched promotion to Junior 3 on Saturday with an emphatic 3-1 win over Queens. Congratulations, Willie and team!

The 1XI have a break this week before heading to Lisburn to play South Antrim on Friday 22nd March, while the 2XI are at home this Saturday to Lurgan – pass back is at 1pm at BGS and all support is welcome!

Senior 3 as at 9th March 2019

Posted in 2018/19 Match Reports | Tagged Ballynahinch | Leave a comment

REPORT | 2 March 2019: Newry 0-2 DLHC 1XI and CI 0-3 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 04/03/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

DLHC 1XI v Newry, 2nd March 2019

Senior 3: Newry 0-2 Donaghadee LHC 1XI
Donaghadee Ladies 1XI travelled to Newry on Saturday to secure a valuable three points give themselves some daylight above the home side mid table in Senior 3.

Battling terrible weather conditions and initial concerns that the pitch may be unplayable as a result of excess surface water, Donaghadee demonstrated real grit and determination with each individual player stepping up to play their part in what was a great match.

Helen Hooks directed play throughout many of the initial phases of play, intercepting repeatedly and placing fantastic and well timed tackles to deliver the ball to Leanna Young and Hannah McAdam up front, both of whom demonstrated their skill in trying to penetrate the Newry defence.

A number of breaks from Newry were well responded to by Paige Reilly on the left, tirelessly putting in the hard tackles and delivering to Lisa Higgins who showed real positional awareness in getting the ball up to the midfield under Newry pressure.

On the right, Laura Jackson used her fitness to burst up the pitch, making perfect deliveries to Vicky O’Neill, notably developing her confidence in the 1XI squad.

Despite great attaching play, a solid press, and short corners for both sides, the first half ended goalless and the Dee were forced to recognise that the weather conditions warranted a step back to simple hockey and utilisation of frees to their advantage.

The second half started with much more energy and after a short while, the rewards came in with the short corners being awarded to the Dee. A number of the training short corners were tried out, with Paige Reilly finally slotting past the keeper to give Donagahdee the lead.

Despite strong attaching play from the Dee, the even match saw the backs having to really get stuck in with Amy Long making some excellent clearances from the circle and Natalie Jameson tracking right across the pitch to sweep the ball from the attacking Newry sticks to ensure that Dee keeper Siobhan remained protected.

Toria Wightman added to the strength in defence when she came on at left back and immediately got stuck in with the tackles and well timed passes along the sideline to keep Donaghadee on the front foot.

At the other end of the pitch, the corners kept coming, and after a short was secured by Sarah-Louise Baird after an obstruction in the circle, Laura Jackson made it 2-0: a well-deserved goal after a brilliant match for Laura!

Next week sees the 1XI face Ballynahinch at home at 1pm. All support welcome!

Senior 3 as at 4th March 2019

DLHC 2XI v CI 5XI, 2nd March 2019

Junior 8B: CI 0-3 Donaghadee LHC 2XI
Thankfully the heavy showers had ended by the time Donaghadee 2XI arrived at CIYMS for their fixture against CI 5XI last Saturday. The game got off to an even start with both teams having opportunities to score, but thankfully the great keeper skills of Nicola Patton ensured that Donaghadee were not put on the back foot in the early stages.

Nicola was well protected by brilliant defending as always by Mia Park who has made her mark on right back this year and Georgia Ferguson as left back who consistently ensures the opposition have a hard time breaking through.

The team were lucky to have back in the fold (hopefully not just for this match!) Nicky McMillen – Nicky showing she has lost none of her old ways when she calmly resumed her old position of centre back with some cracking hit outs and experienced defending.

Tasha Paxton took up the role of right screen for the second week (a position she is proving to be made for her) and along with Toria Wightman (straight off the road from the 1XI’s match in Newry!) kept the distribution of the balls flowing back up the pitch to the awaiting attackers.

The Dee girls began to get the upper hand on CI towards the end of the first half with the team starting to get into their groove as the second half commenced: Katie Donnelly slotted into the centre of midfield to provide valuable link up play, giving captain Kerrie Turtle the chance to resume her favoured position of high forward.

The changes and new positioning gave Donaghadee the boost they needed (or perhaps it was the half time sugar hit?!) but Erin Hamilton, Katie and Molly McKee began to come into their own with all 3 having some fantastic runs up the pitch aided by Heather Kinnear who made the left wing position her own.

The girls’ efforts were rewarded shortly into the second half when some great teamwork saw Molly receive the ball on right wing, and make a terrific run into the circle supported by Katie D who cleverly drew the defender away which left Katie McKwith a clear shot on goal – the teenager coolly unleashing a pinpoint shot into the left corner to put the Dee 1-0 up.

Buoyed by Katieʼs goal, the Dee continued to attack with Katie D pushing higher to give support, and a lovely interchange between both Katies got Kerrie free in the circle with the ball on the end of her stick to slot past the keeper for 2-0.

Not content with equalling the 1XIʼs excellent result earlier in the day Katie was able to get a second shot on target and the Dee ended the game on a high of 3-0.

It has to be said that the 2nd XI have been greatly helped this season by the addition of our new younger recruits Mia, Molly, Katie and Erin who week after week continue to improve and most definitely have a bright future ahead of them at the club. The 2XI are away next Saturday to Parkview at 1pm as the fight for promotion continues.

Posted in 2018/19 Match Reports | Tagged CI, newry | Leave a comment

REPORT | 23 Feb 2019: DLHC 1XI 1-2 Instonians and DLHC 2XI 3-1 Bangor

Posted on 25/02/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

Kerry K got the Dee’s goal against Instonians

Senior 3: DLHC 1XI 1-2 Instonians 1XI
On an afternoon when Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI was missing no fewer than 6 regular starters for the home game against Instonians, Captain Kerry Kennedy placed her faith in the young up and coming stars in the club.

In the perfect example of leading from the front, Kerry herself got the team off to an absolutely flying start when she unleashed a powerful strike within the opening moments of the match to give the Dee a much welcome initial cushion.

There was plenty of youthful exuberance going forward in the early stages with Erin Hamilton making her 1XI debut and twins Molly and Katie McKee doing their best to keep Donaghadee on the front foot.

Both teams enjoyed good spells of attacking hockey in action that ebbed and flowed fairly evenly: Donaghadee defending as determinedly as they were attacking. Ali Stevenson – again the rock in the heart of defence – worked well with Amy Long making several excellent interceptions on the right, with Natalie Jamieson protecting the Dee’s left.

Keeper Siobhan McAdam was also involved in repelling early Instonians’ attacks as the team tried to protect the lead.

Shortly before half time Instonians carved themselves a chance to draw level going to go in the break: 1-1 at the turn around and no clear indication who was going to come out on top.

Back came the Dee again, with Helen Hooks and Laura Boyle shoring up the midfield to allow forward Hannah McAdam to lie high and press every out ball played by the visitors, the pressure forcing a number of good saves from the Instonians keeper.

Donaghadee were also finding joy in the attacking half thanks to jinky runs of Ruth Coulter, the speedy winger turning this way and that to find the extra space to get her passes away.

Vicky O’Neill added impetus on the other flank, providing a number of probing balls into the circle that required attention from the visiting defence.

With the match finely balanced, Instonians took advantage of a free hit awarded just outside the Dee circle and in the ensuing melee, slotted home to take the lead – a lead they did not relinquish until the final whistle.

Final score 2-1 to Instonians, with thanks to Jon Scott for umpiring and to Groomsport Playgroup for sponsoring the match ball. The 1XI are next in action away to Newry on Saturday for a big mid-table clash.

Senior 3 as at 25th Feb 2019

Katie D scored Donaghadee’s third against Bangor

Junior 8B: DLHC 2XI 3-1 Bangor 3XI
Donaghadee 2XI were fighting for a chance to keep promotion hopes alive this week when facing Bangor 3s.

With a strong team out – some of whom were on their second match of the day – along with a welcome selection of subs, the Dee were able to sustain attack with very strong play from the mids Katie Donnelly, Vicky O’Neill, Erin Hamilton and Molly McKee who were able to break through Bangor’s defence multiple times in order to feed the ball to forwards Katie McKee, Connie Hampton and Emily Morris.

It wasn’t long before Donaghadee were awarded a penalty corner and after an excellent deflection from Katie McK, the score was 1-0 to Donaghadee.

Play continued to be pretty end-to-end with screens Tasha Paxton and Carmen Van der Schyff doing a great job of breaking up play before it reached the back three. After a combined effort to work the ball back up to the Bangor circle, the Dee scored again following a well-placed shot from Molly, bringing the score to 2-0, which was how the score stayed for the remainder for the first half.

Not long into the second half Donaghadee, after a sustained attack, were caught out due to a quick Bangor break and the opposition were able to get one past keeper Nicola Patton.

Despite conceding the goal, the Dee were not deterred and through a great series of link-up play and distribution from the defence of Mia Park, Natalie Jamieson, Hannah McAdam and Amy Long, were able to set the Dee up to score again when the ball was delivered to Katie Donnelly.

Katie’s fabulous reverse-stick shot made the final score to 3-1 with Bangor unable to breach the home defence again before the final whistle.

Many thanks to Mike Smith for umpiring and as ever, the amazing sideline support. The 2XI are next in action away to CI 5XI on Saturday, pass back 4pm.

Junior 8B as at 25th Feb 2019

Posted in 2018/19 Match Reports | Tagged bangor, instonians | Leave a comment

REPORT | 9 Feb 2019: Malone 1-6 DLHC 1XI and Mossley 4XI 9-0 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 11/02/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

Leanna gets her first hat trick for DLHC against Malone

Senior 3: Malone 1-6 DLHC 1XI
Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI made it 10 goals in two games when, following on from the 4-1 victory at home to Derg Valley, they beat Malone 6-1 on Saturday.

It was one way traffic for much of the game with Donaghadee pushing forward relentlessly all over the pitch.

Lisa Higgins and Sarah-Louise Baird combined on the left to give the outlet on that side of the pitch while Amy Long provided the platform for Ruth Kennedy to ask plenty of questions up the right.

Indeed Sarah-Louise was first to test Malone but her shot from a tight angle was well parried by the home keeper and knocked out to safety by the grateful defence.

The red and green onslaught continued and it was Leanna McGimpsey-Young who got the Dee off the mark – a cheeky reverse scoop taking the ball over the keeper’s shoulder to give Donaghadee the lead.

Vicky O’Neill quickly doubled the tally when she was brilliantly placed to tap in at the back post after great work from the Dee forwards carved open the Malone defence in the circle.

Leanna grabbed her second just before half time with an almost identical shot to her first; back to the keeper, scoop, goal, 3-0.

Hannah McAdam took on the poacher’s role early in the second half when she calmly slotted in at the back post to put Donaghadee 4-0 ahead before some tenacious play by the Malone forwards earned them a penalty corner.

Dee keeper Siobhan McAdam was well placed to deal with the cleanly struck shot but a wicked spin on the rebound took the ball over the line just inside the post to give Malone some just desserts for the tireless running done by their forwards.

With Donaghadee back on the attack, the penalty corners were coming thick and fast and both Kerry Kennedy and Paige Reilly were unlucky not to connect with their shots cleanly. Ali Stevenson too tried her luck at the top of the circle but the home defence got rid before it got to their keeper.

Hannah got her second with another tip in at the back post before Leanna rounded things off with her third of the day (and first hat trick for the club) to make the final score 6-1. Thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring. The 1XI now have a week off before they welcome Instonians to BGS on 23rd February.

Senior 3 as at 11 Feb 2019

Minor Plate Round 3: Mossley 4XI 9-0 DLHC 2XI
The 2XI endured a tough afternoon in the Minor Plate when they went down 9-0 to Mossley 4XI on Saturday but they return to league action on Saturday when Lurgan come to BGS, pass back there at 2.30pm.

Posted in 2018/19 Match Reports | Tagged malone, mossley | Leave a comment

REPORT | 26 January 2019: DLHC 1XI 4-1 Derg Valley and Bangor 3XI 2-1 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 28/01/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

1XI scorers against Derg Valley: Ali Stevenson, Sarah-Louise Baird and Leanna McGimpsey-Young

Senior League 3: DLHC 1XI 4-1 Derg Valley
It was back to winning ways for Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI on Saturday when they played host to Derg Valley, with a much more cohesive display than of late.

Donaghadee dominated large swathes of this match with plenty of attacking intent right from the off. Indeed Sarah-Louise Baird was quick to drive into the circle from the left flank with the Derg keeper thwarting her at the near post in the early stages. It was a sign of things to come though, with the Derg defence struggling to contain the wing play from both Donaghadee’s wide outlets.

Ruth Coulter – a thorn in the visiting defence’s side all afternoon – mirrored on the right what Sarah-Louise was doing on the left: direct running hard into the danger areas with plenty of ball for the Dee forwards to attack.

Leanna McGimpsey-Young made a welcome return to the scoring charts when she opened the goals for Donaghadee, her screamer of a shot flying past the Derg number 1 from the top of the circle. Sarah-Louise made it two and three in quick succession when she finally got the better of the defence at that near post and Donaghadee were starting to look a bit more like themselves than of late.

There were plenty of attacking options for Donaghadee with twins Molly and Katie McKee interchanging regularly up front, with both showing lovely stick work and plenty of close control to keep the visiting defence under pressure, while Kerry Kennedy threatened regularly with that mean reverse stick shot she has been wont to unleash in so many matches already this season.

The entire Donaghadee team was working solidly as one unit with few gaps for Derg Valley to find any respite. In midfield Lisa Higgins and Helen Hooks pushed up to close the space behind the forwards and Amy Long and Paige Reilly were even finding space to overlap with their wings on the flanks.

That did leave a bit of space in behind however and Derg Valley managed to claw a goal back when they broke quickly and lashed a shot high into keeper Siobhan McAdam’s net from wide on the left just before half time.

It was much the same story in the second half, with Donaghadee enjoying long spells of pressure and it was great to see Ali Stevenson rounding off the scoring with a well-worked penalty corner. Final score 4-1 to Donaghadee, with thanks to Jon Scott and Nicola Patton for umpiring, and to Mark Cooper Pet Portraits for sponsoring the winning match ball.

The 1XI are next in action away to Malone, pass back 1pm at Lough Moss Leisure Centre on Saturday.

Senior 3 as at 28th January 2019

Junior 8B: Bangor 3XI 2-1 DLHC 2XI
Donaghadee 2XI didn’t have far to travel this week for their away fixture against Bangor 3XI.

The match got off to a cracking start with the Dee girls relentlessly pushing up into the Bangor circle. Screens Toria Wightman and Rebecca Bolton ensured the ball was kept away from the Dee defence and allowed the forward line of Deborah Gilmour, Erin Hamilton, Katie & Molly McKee and Kerrie Turtle to attack with full force.

Once such frenzied attack lead to nearly all the forwards getting a shot in on goal but Kerrie managed to get the final touch to put Donaghadee 1-0 up.

Bangor were not going to let the Dee win though and brought on several substitutes from the bench to bolster their team, resulting in pressure on the Dee defence. Having had no touch on the ball until now, keeper Nicola Patton found herself at the receiving end of Bangor’s new attacking players and despite the best efforts of Georgia Ferguson, Natalie Jamieson, Mia Park and Beth Long the Dee conceded 2 goals.

Play continued with Toria and Deborah refusing to give up on the win and pushing ahead with Vicky O’Neill, all having some great runs up the pitch. Molly, Katie and Erin continued to show their fighting spirit and the team continued with more attacks on the Bangor defence, but even with some of Natalie’s trademark solo runs the home side were just too experienced to let another goal in.

The final score of 2-1 to Bangor left the Dee team feeling somewhat flat but they will be determined to win their next match and hopefully progress to a chance for promotion. Thanks again to Janice McVeigh for umpiring and the sideline supporters.

Junior 8B as at 28th Jan 2019

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Posted in 2018/19 Match Reports | Tagged bangor, derg valley | Leave a comment

REPORT | 19 Jan 2019: Enniskillen 3-0 DLHC 1XI and DLHC 2XI 2-1 Saintfield

Posted on 21/01/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior 3: Enniskillen 3-0 Donaghadee LHC 1XI
Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI’s search for a win goes on after they were beaten 3-0 away to Enniskillen on Saturday.

The team’s dismal luck with injuries this season reads almost like a grim rendition of Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes: two facial injuries, a dodgy hip, a knee that’s currently in kit form, torn ankle ligaments and a broken foot have meant that it’s been a brave while since Captain Kerry Kennedy has had a full 1XI squad to choose from, with a number of players battling through illness and injury to turn out each week.

It is however testament to the strength in depth Donaghadee has been cultivating over the last number of years that the 2XI has provided a constant supply of players willing and able to step up when called upon without their team having to concede any matches. The young ones have certainly taken their places when required and Saturday saw Mia Parkes and new recruit Toria Wightman joining the merry band of travellers in this mid-table clash.

With Kerry Kennedy and Carolyn Scott each umpiring half the match, experience on the pitch was provided by the platform at the back of Amy Long, Ali Stevenson and Paige Reilly with Helen Hooks her usual dynamic self and steadying influence Lisa Higgins in midfield. Up front it was great to see both Leanna McGimpsey-Young and Hannah McAdam getting back into the groove after their own respective illness/injury layoffs.

The scoreline may look comprehensive but it certainly doesn’t tell the tale of the numerous one on one saves that Siobhan McAdam made bravely to ensure Enniskillen didn’t make it any more, the Dee keeper thwarting several gilt-edged opportunities as the home forwards created a number of dangerous counterattacks.

Thanks to Enniskillen for providing the post-match refreshments. The 1XI will welcome Derg Valley to BGS on Saturday as they look to improve on recent results, passback at 1pm.

Senior 3 as at 21st Jan 2019

DLHC 2XI v Saintfield, Minor Plate Rd 2, 19th January 2019

Minor Plate Round 2: DLHC 2XI 2-1 Saintfield 3XI
After last season’s success in reaching the semi-finals of the plate, Donaghadee 2XI were keen to get off to a good start for this year’s competition – facing Saintfield 3XI in the second round on Saturday 19th January at home. Despite being down a few players through injury Donaghadee fielded a strong albeit not-used-to-playing-together team for the match.

The girls got off to a great start with centre mid Vicky O’Neill pushing up and linking well with Erin Hamilton out on right wing – a great run from Erin saw her pass the ball to an awaiting Cat Park who managed to get a clean shot on goal and put the Dee 1-0 up.

Play continued with screens Beth Long ensuring the ball was kept up the pitch and Emily Morris making some fantastic cross field runs to distribute the ball (despite having a bad back – she was enjoying herself too much to give in to it!) Ruth Coulter out on left wing proved true to her nickname of the ‘pocket rocket’ – covering nearly every square inch of the pitch during the game – and on one of her solo runs up the left of the pitch, she gave a pinpoint pass to Kerrie Turtle who was able to put the ball past the keeper for 2-0 to Donaghadee before half time.

Saintfield were not about to give up the fight though and came back strongly for the second half. Defenders Georgia Ferguson, Natalie Jamieson and Deborah Gilmour had their work cut out keeping Saintfield at bay, but unfortunately a break from the visitors saw the Donaghdee defence outnumbered and they managed to slip one past goalkeeper Nicola Patton.

Undeterred the Dee continued to defend brilliantly, with Nicola having some fantastic saves (despite – or perhaps thanks to – celebrating her birthday every night the previous week!) With Georgia and Deborah having some great runs out of defence and Natalie playing her trademark game of cracking hit outs and solo runs the Dee fought until full time and kept the score at 2-1.

The girls are looking forward to their next round in the plate to be played next month. Huge thanks to Janice McVeigh for umpiring and the side line supporters. The 2XI make the short hop to play Bangor 3XI on Saturday – pass back is at 2.30pm and all support is welcome!

Junior 88 as at 21st Jan 2019

And there’s more…
Post Match Social
All players and supporters are welcome to join the teams back in Donaghadee for a few refreshments of your choice on Saturday afternoon after the matches – see you in Gracies!

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Posted in 2018/19 Match Reports | Tagged enniskillen, saintfield | Leave a comment

REPORT | 5 Jan 2019: DLHC 1XI 2-3 Bangor and DLHC 2XI 2-2 CI

Posted on 07/01/2019 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior 3: DLHC 1XI 2-3 Bangor 1XI
It was back to business with a bang last Saturday for Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club’s 1XI with a 5 goal thriller against neighbours Bangor.On a frigidly cold day there was plenty of free-flowing hockey to keep the cockles of the large band of home supporters warmed.

Donaghadee enjoyed some good early attacking pressure when Ruth Coulter made excellent progress down the right. She crossed brilliantly and Katie McKee was unlucky not to connect cleanly – the shot just close enough to allow the visiting keeper to clear.

Bangor were swift to counter and Dee keeper Siobhan McAdam was on her toes to repel several shots in succession with Ali Stevenson – a rock in the heart of defence all afternoon – making numerous split second interceptions to clear to safety. Amy Long too made a number of decisive clearances wide – no nonsense there!

It was Donaghadee who made the breakthrough through Captain Fantastic Kerry Kennedy (who else?) Having already warmed her stick with a couple of stinging shots from the top of the circle, Kerry was fed a great ball through from Laura Boyle and as she drove to the circle from off to the right, Donaghadee’s leader unleashed an unstoppable shot low to the keeper’s left:1-0 to the Dee.

The young Bangor forwards then struck with a well taken goal just before half time to level things up.

Donaghadee were caught totally cold when the second half opened; Bangor stringing several passes together to put the ball in the back of the net virtually before Donaghadee had touched it to go 2-1 up.

Undeterred Donaghadee stuck to the game plan and had several lovely breaks down the left with Paige Reilly provided the platform for Sarah-Louise Baird to shoot forward at every opportunity. Lisa Higgins too made numerous forays forward, connecting with Vicky O’Neill as Donaghadee searched for the equaliser.

It came through a well executed penalty corner with Carolyn Scott pinging an inch perfect strike off the inside of the keeper’s left post to bring Donaghadee back on level terms.

Bangor fought back though and bagged the winner in the closing moments but it was a much more cohesive performance from Donaghadee than of late and they now look forward to playing North Down 2XI away in the first round of the Intermediate Plate on Saturday.

Thanks not only to Mike Smyth for umpiring but also to the hardy band of supporters who cheered long and loud for the Dee the whole way through, and to The Yachstman in Donaghadee for sponsoring the match ball.

Senior 3 as at 5th January 2019

DLHC 2XI v CI 5XI, 5th Jan 2019

Junior 8B: CI 5XI 2-2 DLHC 2XI
Donaghadee Ladies 2s welcomed CI to Bangor Grammar on Saturday as the second match of the day for the Club on home turf.

Donaghadee started strongly after a great team briefing from Captain on the day Natalie Jamieson, with no sign of any Christmas sluggishness from any of the girls as the the game underway.

Up front Katie and Molly McKee and Erin Hamilton showed lots of experience for their young age as they pilled on the pressure. Rebecca Bolton, Vicky O’Neill and Katie Donnelly too covered plenty of ground with sterling work, showing some lovely passing and tackling.

It was great to welcome back Deborah Gilmore into the heart of defence and, with Carmen lending her experience in midfield, Donaghadee dealt very efficiently with lots of the forward play from the CI attack.

Katie D fashioned a fantastic chance in the circle midway through the first half and she took the opportunity well to give Donaghadee the lead. After a well deserved high five from her fellow players, the ball was reset ready for the whistle to restart play.

CI began to exert more pressure, making a number of forward advances throughout the first half and getting the odd break. Mia Park, Captain Natalie and Victoria Wightman had the defensive wall well ready and they put in some lovely tackles and showed calm control on the ball to clear the attempts back up the field. Their free hits all were taken with determination and precision and that allowed Donaghadee to progress.

CI were determined to make a game of it though, and they were able to sneak a number of shots in but keeper Siobhan McAdam was in the right place to clear the ball to thwart the advancing pressure. She along with Vicky and Katie were possibly well warmed up having played in the previous match! Just before half time CI equalised through a penalty corner to send the teams level into the half time break.

The second half was very similar play to the first with both teams showing and playing some fine hockey with end to end stuff. After Donaghadee defended two penalty corners well, CI squeezed the ball into the corner of the net to take the lead. Not out of it yet, the Donaghadee girls played their red socks off and young Molly got on to the score sheet with a mighty fine equaliser to bring the score to two all.

With 2 minutes signalled by the umpires the action was end to end with both teams searching for the winner but it wasn’t to be. The final whistle blew and the Dee girls were happy to secure a point from a well fought draw, thanks to a huge effort from each and every player on the field.

Many thanks to Jon Scott for umpiring, to so many of the Firsts who stayed on to support, and to the loyal band of Dee spectators – it was much appreciated and shows the strength of the Donaghadee hockey family, flying the red and green flag to start the second half of the season.

DLHC 2XI play Armagh 2XI at home on Saturday, passback 1pm.

Katie D and Molly were on target for the 2XI against CI

Junior 8B as at 5th January 2019

Posted in 2018/19 Match Reports | Tagged bangor, CI | Leave a comment