REPORT | 30 September 2023: DLHC 1XI 1-4 Club KV and DLHC 2XI 2-0 Owls

Posted on 02/10/2023 by Donaghadee LHC
Kerry got her now customary goal on Saturday, albeit that this picture on a lovely sunny day was definitely NOT taken then!

Senior 3: DLHC 1XI 1-4 Club KV
It was a bump down to (very soggy!) earth on Saturday after an excellent two wins from two for the 1XI of Donaghadee LHC as they struggled in the rain to contain a young and well drilled Club KV team at Bangor Grammar.

The visitors were quick out of the blocks and soon had Donaghadee on the back foot, however despite numerous visits to the Dee circle, some super defensive work from the home side kept them out with only one shot sneaking through, but wide enough not to force a save. 

The visitors kept up the pressure with 3 attacking penalty corners, the third of which was saved but the rebound fell to a well-positioned attacker who slotted home to make it 1-0.

Ironically Donaghadee then created arguably the best chance of the quarter but the ball squirted just wide of the right post, with the keeper beaten.

Donaghadee finally found a bit of rhythm and started to work into the visitors’ circle, creating more chances than KV and the Dee were rewarded for their persistence when a shot by Kerry K bamboozled the keeper to make it 1-1 at half time.

The second half was a repeat of Q1, only KV were more clinical and effective with their shooting. Some frantic Donaghadee defence kept the visitors at bay until a penalty corner move saw the ball switched from right to left and goal! Then in the final minute of the quarter a goal from open play effectively put the game to bed in favour of KV with the whistle going at 3-1.

Injuries and unavailability both played a part and took their toll on the day but I couldn’t fault the effort of the team in what were awful playing conditions!

Coach Willie McAdam on the Firsts’ loss to Club KV

A better final quarter from Donagahdee saw them create better attacking momentum but they were unable to make much headway in the KV circle. At the other end, KV produced another half dozen shots and it was no surprise that they went 4-1 up with 15 to go.

Again some last ditch defending and saves stopped score line from increasing again, with the final score 4-1 to Club KV. Kathryn Cunningham was voted Star Player for her sterling work in the heart of the defence. With thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring, and to club sponsor Stanley Woods & Co Accountants for their continued support. 

It’s a break from league action this weekend, with the Firsts playing host to Owls in the first round of the Intermediate Cup, pass back 2.30pm.

DLHC 2XI v Owls, 30th September 2023

Junior League 9A: DLHC 2XI 2-0 Owls
It was a very soggy Saturday in September when a young Owls team took on Donaghadee’s 2XI, led by returning captain Floss Patton who, along with her defensive partners, was called into early action as the visitors flew out of the blocks and attacked from the first whistle.  

Donaghadee struggled to get the ball, but some excellent defence restricted the visitors to 4 shots, with goalkeeper Faith McMillan dealing with the only one on target. On the rare occasions that the Dee made it into the Owls half, aided by some great hassling play from Johneena Brown, the front two of Emily Morris and Katie McKee carved out a couple of chances but the keeper was up to the job and the quarter ended 0-0.

Some words of wisdom from Coach Willie McAdam at the break settled things down and the Dee started to get a hold of the game in the second quarter. With the ever-calm Zoe Turtle winning more balls in midfield, and Natalie Jamieson tackling strongly to snuff out any Owls attacks, the service to the forwards became more plentiful.

Molly McKee joined her sister upfront and created a number of chances but some excellent defending kept them at bay. Just as it looked as if the Dee’s efforts would go unrewarded, a few minutes from half-time a free hit was awarded just outside the circle. As Emily took the hit, a late run from Lisa Higgins, pushing up from her left back berth, drew the Owls defenders and created space for Katie to pick up the cross and fire it home, to give Donaghadee a deserved lead.

The success spurred Donaghadee on, and the third quarter was one of total domination. In midfield, Erin Hamilton and Caroline Davison provided forward momentum and some great through balls, as the Dee fired in ten shots and worked some penalty corners well, but the second goal just wouldn’t come! 

Whilst Owls were rarely in the Dee half, they still looked dangerous on the break, and a second goal was vital to get some breathing space. It finally arrived a few minutes into the final quarter, through another penalty corner, with a well-worked switch from left to right which enabled Katie to get her second of the match. And it was well needed, as Owls threw everything forward in the final ten minutes. 

From having little to do, the Dee defence were under the cosh once again from both open play and a number of penalty corners. But again they were up to the task, with Claire Horne making numerous blocks and clearances, and Lauren Niblock coming back to help out her defence. Despite some nervy moments, the Dee held out for a clean sheet, a well deserved 2-0 win and some much needed league points.

Well done to Claire and Zoe for their joint Star Player awards and thanks to Nicola Patton for umpiring in the wet, yet again – it seems to be her speciality!  Next Saturday the two teams will meet again in the cup, this time at Owls, pass back at Roughfort 2.30pm.

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REPORT | 23 Sept 2023: DLHC 1XI 3-0 Newry and Saintfield 1-1 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 25/09/2023 by Donaghadee LHC

Jess and Kerry were both on the score sheet for the 1XI against Newry on Saturday

Senior League 3: DLHC 1XI 3-0 Newry
In great form after their 3-1 victory in Kilkeel last week, the 1XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey Club were ready for their first home game of the season when they welcomed Newry to BGS on Saturday.

It was a somewhat scrappy opening quarter and, with the majority of play in the middle of the pitch, shots on goal were hard to come by for either side. Good pressure from Donaghadee resulted in several penalty corners however with no conversions, the first quarter ended 0-0.

The second quarter saw Donaghadee lift the pace and put a lot more pressure on the Newry defence. Numerous chances were created from some excellent play between Dee’s midfield players and the forwards, with Jessica Moore cutting in from the right and firing home in the 28th minute to give the hosts the lead. 

With a further seven shots on target and a saved penalty corner, Donaghadee continued to challenge the visitors. Breaking into the circle and narrowly avoiding a wipe out from the onrushing Newry keeper, Carolyn Scott linked up well with Kerrie Turtle, however their efforts were thwarted by a cleared ball off the line by a scrambling Newry defence. 

With so much territory and possession, Paige Reilly and Chloe Ferguson were able to drive forward in support but no more goals arrived and the halftime score was 1-0.

Into the second half and with Row Moore replacing the hard-working Rachel McClatchey on the left and Catherine Armstrong returning on the right, Dee continued to dominate. Some exceptional movement and quick passing repeatedly tore apart the Newry defence and chance after chance arose, but with no luck in adding to the 1-0 scoreline. 

Halfway through the quarter an amazing run from Kerry Kennedy and a skilled reverse shot from the midfielder looped over the Newry keeper’s head and doubled the Dee’s lead. Donaghadee kept pressing as they looked to extend the lead and after being fed a great pass from Emma McGimpsey-Young, Catherine Armstrong made a run down the right, firing the ball across the face of the goal, with Kerrie Turtle just unable to get her touch on target at the back post. 

Into the final quarter, chances were created in the middle of the pitch, with some lovely work from Helen Herron, Jordan McWilliams and Paige in the centre. A penalty corner resulted in an excellent strike from Carolyn rebounding plum off the base of the left hand post, before a break from centre saw Kerry add her second with a more conventional shot from the right to make it 3-0. 

On a day when Helen, Carolyn and Kerrie had a number of chances with last minute saves from Newry, and Catherine smashing the ball into the keeper’s pads, Donaghadee were unlucky not to increase their lead further.

Missing captain Jan Morrow this week, it was up to Jodie Ingham to lead from the back. With some good defensive work and penalty corners saved by keeper Nicola Patton, Donaghadee managed to keep a very pleasing clean sheet at the other end. 

A final score of 3-0 meant Donaghadee claimed their second win and three points in a really promising start to the season. Next week Donaghadee hope to continue their streak, facing Club KV at BGS, pass back 2.30pm. With thanks to Mike Smyth for umpiring, to Burgess Performance Training for the match ball sponsorship, and congratulations to Catherine for her Star Player award this week.

The 2XI team that took on Saintfield on Friday night, earning a valuable point in the 1-1 draw

Junior League 9A: Saintfield 1-1 DLHC 2XI
The 2XI travelled to Saintfield on Friday night without a couple of their defensive regulars, but it looked like that wasn’t going to be a problem with newcomer Kathryn Cunningham and ‘second time around’ newcomer Claire Horne slotting into the back line with Row Moore and looking like they were right at home.  

The first quarter was a bit of a frantic affair, with both teams taking a while to settle and lots of ball turnovers, but the calm heads of Natalie Jamieson and Zoe Turtle in midfield helped to compose the team.  Although the Dee had the better of the opening exchanges with a couple of penalty corners and a few shots on target, they couldn’t take advantage and the quarter ended scoreless.    

With Row going off for a blood injury, Alex Mawhinney slotted into a defence which continued to be largely untroubled by the opposition. The Dee ladies grew in composure and confidence: Johneena Brown provided fresh legs in midfield, and both Emily Morris and Dawn McDonald – another player making a welcome debut for the team – looked dangerous in attack but time and again were thwarted by the Saintfield keeper and her defence.  

Just as it was starting to look like the Dee dominance would have no reward, Lisa Higgins intercepted a pass in her own half and fired a pass up to her forwards. After a great stepover dummy from Emily (we will never know if it was by accident or design!) the ball fell to Molly McKee who took it perfectly in her stride and smashed the ball past the keeper to give the Dee the lead at halftime.  

Whatever was said by the Saintfield coach at halftime must have put a rocket up them, because they came out firing on all cylinders at the start of Q3 and Faith McMillan in the Dee goal was quickly called into action for virtually the first time, having to make a number of saves in quick succession.  

Conceding their first PC of the match, the Dee defence held up well against a barrage of shots until a wayward clearance fell to a Saintfield forward at the right-hand side of the circle and she made no mistake with her shot back across the keeper and into the net. The quarter ended 1-1, and it’s fair to say that Coach Willie McAdam was disappointed that the Dee weren’t able to hold on to the lead. 

The final quarter was end-to-end at times, but again the Dee’s dominance grew, helped by a determined performance from Erin Hamilton – stepping in as Captain for the first time – and the tireless running of Katie McKee. Along with Row, they dominated possession on the right-hand side, working the ball up the pitch and providing a number of crosses which only needed a finishing touch.  

Lisa and Emily were having similar success on the left, and there was some wonderful interplay across the front line between Dawn, Molly and Katie which culminated in Molly – capping her Star Player performance – breaking in from the left and skimming the far post with a reverse stick shot.

Saintfield’s forays into the Dee circle were becoming increasingly rare, but when they did, Claire and Kathryn snuffed out any threats with ease and cleared the ball back upfield, where the forwards were peppering the goal but without success.  

As the Saintfield defence held firm, the game ended 1-1; the first goal and first point of the season for the Seconds, but with a sense of disappointment at what could have been more.

Many thanks to Catherine Armstrong, both for stepping into the umpiring role, and for lending enough spare kit to clothe one of the new girls too!

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REPORT | 16 Sept 2023: Kilkeel 1-3 DLHC 1XI and DLHC 2XI 0-1 Bangor

Posted on 18/09/2023 by Donaghadee LHC

Senior 3: Kilkeel 1-3 Donaghadee LHC
The 1XI of Donaghadee Ladies Hockey club travelled to Kilkeel on Saturday as the first round of the 2023/24 season got underway. 

The South Down side came down from Senior 2 at the end of last season so it would be a good test for Donaghadee, given their good showing in the league last year.

The initial stages were fairly cagey as both teams got up to the speed of competitive match action before Kilkeel opened the scoring midway through the first quarter. Donaghadee had begun to settle however, with the team working well as a unit. 

From back to front there was good cohesion and a fluidity of play that enabled the Dee to put together a number of well worked opportunities, one of which earned them a penalty corner as the quarter drew to a close. 

Kerry Kennedy took full advantage with a great shot which bypassed the prone Kilkeel keeper to draw Donaghadee level just before the quarter time whistle went. With renewed vigour Donaghadee – and Kerry – doubled the score when Leanna McGimpsey-Young, thanks to a super drive down the right, found a ball inside which Kerry took without breaking stride to unleash an unstoppable shot just inside the keeper’s near post.

Finding themselves behind, Kilkeel began to exert more pressure on the Dee defence, with Dee keeper Nicola Patton making a couple of vital saves, Jodie Ingham tackling everything in a maroon shirt that moved and Row Moore clearing a penalty corner off the line. Good communication from Captain Jan Morrow and Paige Reilly both helped steady the ship as Donaghadee looked to close out the half with the score at 2-1.

With the luxury of subs, coach WIllie McAdam brought on fresh legs for the second half, with Caroline Davison coming on to give the hard-running Helen Hooks a break in midfield, while it was great to see Abbie Brown coming on to make her competitive debut for Donaghadee.

It was Emily Morris who provided a super ball down the right hand touch line to link up with Leanna who cut inside to finish the run with the goal it deserved: 3-1 to Donaghadee. 

With further pressure coming from the home team it was Chloe Ferguson, sitting just in front of the defence, who put in a tremendous shift shuttling back and forwards across the pitch to prevent attacking ball reaching the circle, as Donaghadee looked to keep the home side out. 

With Kilkeel pressing forward in search of a goal, play became stretched with plenty of space appearing for the Donaghadee forwards to run in to. One ball high from Emma McGimpsey-Young found Kerry who turned provider for Carolyn Scott, the striker shooting just narrowly wide after receiving the ball with her back to goal.

With the clock ticking towards zero, Kilkeel piled forward in an effort to reduce the deficit, winning several short corners in quick succession but Donaghadee withstood the pressure to keep the scoreline at 3-1, with three points in the bag to get them off and running.

A wonderful team performance from absolutely everyone in a Donaghadee shirt, and the girls will be looking to continue this when they welcome Newry to BGS on Saturday, pass back 2.30pm. With many thanks to Ryan B for umpiring.

Junior League 9A: DLHC 2XI 0-1 Bangor
The 2nd XI season-opener against local rivals Bangor was a very soggy affair after a day of torrential rain – a far cry from the 28 degree heat of the pre-season friendly the previous week. 

Donaghadee were under pressure from the off against a young, skilful opposition, with the defensive quartet of Floss Patton, Natalie Jamieson, Lisa Higgins and new recruit Laura Hamilton called into action from the start. 

Having dealt with a flurry of early forays into the circle, helped out by Caroline Davison and Emily Morris putting in their defensive duties, Bangor were first to react to a wayward hit out towards the end of the first quarter. The resulting strike evaded all Dee sticks and nestled in the far left corner of the net to put Bangor 1-0 up.

Shaking off the disappointing start, Donaghadee grew into the game, with the pace of Katie McKee, Molly McKee and Erin Hamilton providing an attacking outlet, supported by another Dee newbie, Johneena Brown, but despite their best efforts, Dee couldn’t trouble the Bangor keeper. At the other end of the pitch, the Bangor attacks kept coming, with Dee’s new keeper, Faith McMillan, looking like a star signing for the season, making a number of important saves and blocks.

Deborah Gilmore and Alex Mawhinney gave the Dee some fresh impetus going forward, and the subs bench was well needed, with injuries to Johneena and Laura either side of halftime, and Molly’s game ended in the 3rd quarter with a blow to her leg.  

With a quarter to go, Bangor thought they had doubled their lead from a penalty corner, but the goal was disallowed. There was no let-up in their attack right up to the final whistle, but some excellent defensive work and a couple of super saves by Faith kept the score to 1-0.

Thanks go to Nicola Patton for umpiring in horrible conditions when she could have been at home in the warm and dry! And congratulations to Faith being voted star player for her debut with the Dee!

It’s another Friday night match for the 2nds this week, away at Saintfield and the 1st home to Newry, PB 230pm. All support welcome.

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Final Standings 2022/23

Posted on 15/08/2023 by Donaghadee LHC

DLHC 1XI: Senior 3

DATEOPPOSITIONH/ASCORESCORERSSTAR PLAYER
3/9/22Ards 3 (F)H1-1 Catherine
10/9/22Bangor (F)H–
17/9/22NewryAW2-1Kerry (2)
23/9/22LarneHL2-1Kerry
1/10/22BallynahinchAD2-2Paige, CarolynKerrie
8/10/22Derg ValleyHW4-0Kerry (3), KerrieHelen
15/10/22Castle AL3-1Carolyn
22/10/22
29/10/22LimavadyHL3-2Kerrie, LeannaLeanna
5/11/23Club KV (Cup)AW5-0KK, Leanna (2), KT, Carolyn
12/11/22ParkviewAW5-0Carolyn (2), Leanna (2), KTHelen
19/11/22CookstownHW3-1KT, Leanna (2)Jodie
26/11/22NewryHW2-0Leanna (2)Leanna
3/12/22LarneAL4-0
10/12/22Holywood (Cup)HL3-1LeannaClaire & Nicola
17/12/22BallynahinchHl2-1Paige
7/1/23Derg ValleyAW3-1KK, LeannaJodie
14/1/23CastleHL2-0Jodie
21/1/23CookstownHW1-0Leanna
28/1/23
4/2/23LimavadyAL3-0
11/2/23ParkviewHW9-0Leanna (7), KK, KT

DLHC 2XI: Junior 9A

DATEOPPOSITIONH/ASCORESCORERSSTAR PLAYER
3/9/22Ards 4 (F)HL3-0
10/9/22Bangor (F)H–
17/9/22Pegasus 5HW/OPegs conceded
23/9/22Dromore 5HW4-0Row, Emily (2), SarahEmily & Ruth
1/10/22Castle 4H–
8/10/22Banbridge 5AL2-1MollyEmily & Molly
15/10/22S. Antrim 4HL2-0
22/10/22Randalstown 4AD1-1MollyTeam!
29/10/22NICS 5HW8-0Katie (3), Leanna, Caroline, Emily (3)Emily & Katie
5/11/23OwlsAW4-0Katie (2), Leanna, Molly
12/11/22LisnagarveyHD1-1EmilyJanice
19/11/22Bangor 4AL1-0
26/11/22Harlequins 6HL1-0Georgia
3/12/22SaintfieldAP-P
10/12/22Cup/ PlateP-P
17/12/22Pegasus 5AL2-0
7/1/23Dromore 5Aconceded
14/1/23Cup/PlateHW1-0KatieLisa
21/1/23PortadownAL7-0
28/1/23Banbridge 5HL6-2Molly, Leanna
4/2/23S. AntrimAConceded
11/2/23Randalstown 4HL3-1Kerrie
18/2/23NICS 5AL2-0Tasha
25/2/23Lisnagarvey 5A
4/3/23Bangor 4HD2-2Row, Emily
11/3/23Harlequins 6A
18/3/22Saintfield 4H
26/3/22

Prize Winners

1XI Coach’s Player of the Year – Leanna
2XI Coach’s Player of the Year – Katie
1XI Most Improved Player – Chloe
2XI Most Improved Player – Row

2XI Most Improved Player – Erin
2XI Top Goalscorer – Katie
2XI Captain’s Player of the Year – Emma

1XI Top Goalscorer – Leanna
1XI Most Improved Player – Kerrie
1XI Captain’s Player of the Year – Sarah

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REPORT | 11 April 2023: Ulster Representation and 2XI in action

Posted on 11/04/2023 by Donaghadee LHC

While league action may have wound down for Donaghadee LHC’s 1XI, two club members will be involved in the Women’s Masters Interpros taking place at Lisnagarvey and Friends’ School next weekend. Coach Willie McAdam takes the helm once again with his O50s squad as they look to go one better than their finish in Cork last year.

The 50s open against Leinster on Friday night at 8.30pm, followed by Munster at 4.15pm on Saturday and finishing up against Connacht at 1.30pm on Sunday, with all matches taking place at Lisnagarvey.

There are no small congratulations due to this season’s club captain Kerry Kennedy who makes her Ulster 40s debut, having successfully trialled and trained over the last few months in preparation for this year’s Interpro series.

The 40s kick off their campaign on Saturday morning against South East at Lisnagarvey (pass back 10.15am) before hotfooting it across town to the pitch at Friends’ School, Lisburn for their 2.45pm clash with Connacht, leaving the last game of their section the biggie against Leinster on Sunday afternoon at 1.30pm back at Garvey.

Everyone at DLHC is immensely proud of both Willie and Kerry and we wish them well for the weekend.

There’s also some match action closer to home, with Donaghadee’s 2XI travelling to Harlequins to complete the last of this season’s league fixtures. Pass back at Deramore is at 2.30pm and the team will be looking forward to finishing the campaign on a high!

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REPORT | 25 March 2023: DLHC 2XI 0-2 Pegasus and Return of the DLHC Ski Trip!

Posted on 27/03/2023 by Donaghadee LHC

Junior 9A: DLHC 2XI 0-2 Pegasus 5XI
In a fixture rearranged from earlier in the season Donaghadee’s 2XI welcomed Pegasus’ Fifths to Bangor Grammar last Saturday. It was a bright start from the visitors, with the Dee defence seeing lots of early action and the midfield tucking in to try to add an extra layer of protection.

The pressure eventually took its toll late in the first quarter when a break down Donaghadee’s left saw some neat interplay between the Pegasus forwards, with the final ball being slotted home to give the visiting team the advantage going into the break.

A second exchange just before half time doubled Pegasus’ lead, leaving Donaghadee with plenty to do in the second half. It was a spirited fightback from the home side, as the Dee forwards started to make some inroads and create a number of chances of their own. With interceptions being made further up the pitch, it gave the Dee better opportunities to test the Pegasus defence, and the Pegs keeper was forced into making a couple of very strong saves to keep her side in the lead.

One very late chance for Donaghadee saw the ball turned just wide of the left post in what would have been a very deserved consolation goal to reflect the endeavour of the whole team, but the final score remained 2-0 to Pegasus. Thanks to Carolyn Scott for umpiring and to the sideline support which was very much appreciated as always. The Seconds have two games remaining, the first of which is this Saturday at home to Portadown, pass back 1pm.

Return of the DLHC Ski Trip
Ten years after the first Hockettes on the Piste Ski Trip took place, it was a welcome return to the slopes last week for number five after a break in 2021 due to Covid.

While the numbers may ebb and flow from trip to trip the craic never fails; and with several terrific days skiing and evenings of laughter, good food and the odd glass of wine, Flaine certainly did not disappoint. Roll on HotP 6! 

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REPORT | 4 March 2023: DLHC 1XI 1-2 Ballynahinch and DLHC 2XI 2-2 Bangor

Posted on 07/03/2023 by Donaghadee LHC
Shout out to everyone who played in the two matches on Saturday

A depleted Donaghadee Ladies’ 1XI may have gone down 2-1 to Ballynahinch on Saturday but it was lovely to have defenders Jodie Ingham (far left) and Sarah Hooks (far right) on the sidelines cheering on the team for the last match of the 2022/23 season. Both have been out of action since around Christmas – and have been missed – but thanks to a strong showing in the first half of the season, the 1XI amassed enough points to finish Senior League 3 in fourth position. The 2XI of DLHC have 4 remaining games, the first of which is away to Belfast Harlequins on Saturday, pass back 2.30pm at Deramore.

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REPORT | 25 Feb 2023: Cookstown 0-1 DLHC 1XI

Posted on 27/02/2023 by Donaghadee LHC
Leanna and Emma scoring them and keeping them out on Saturday!

Senior League 3: Cookstown 0-1 DLHC 1XI
Late Saturday afternoon in Cookstown saw Donaghadee 1s playing their penultimate match of the season, and once again a combination of injuries and other factors saw them travel with a squad of just 11 players, including a couple carrying injuries themselves!

A shuffled team saw a number of players in different positions and a bunch of 2s players helping to fill the gaps.

With all this going on it was no surprise that Cookstown were quickly on the attack and the first quarter saw Dee keeper Emma making 4 good saves, including a penalty corner, to keep the game scoreless. The whole team worked tirelessly to thwart the home side, with some super tackling from Paige and Zoe at the heart of the defence. The visitors created a number of attacks but were often broken down inside the 23 and couldn’t trouble the home keeper.

The second quarter saw more of the same, but a few changes by the coach saw an improvement in covering and with both teams having only a couple of shots without scoring and Zoe clearing a penalty away from the goal it remained scoreless at halftime.

After a good discussion at the break Donaghadee, with pass back, started the second half very much on the front foot; just 90 seconds into the quarter a quick attack down the left combining Row, Helen and Kerrie saw the ball passed to Leanna at the top of the circle. A quick turn and movement to create space and a shot fired into the goal to give Donaghadee the lead.

The quarter continued at pace, with both teams on the attack, but the visitors defensive work was superb, with Caroline, Helen and Chloe winning many of the midfield battles and Jan, Paige, Zoe and Row keeping most of the ball away from Emma’s goal. The home team resorted to firing long range shots and passes.

Jan was finding space on the right side and able to join in the attack on a regular basis as Caroline covered her defensive role. This, along with Row and Helen on the left helped to create a number of opportunities for Leanna and Kerrie. Nicola, in an unusual role of forward, kept hassling the home defence and even had a chance to score, only to see it cleared away.

A super 3rd quarter ended 1-0.

Into the final quarter, and the end to end play continued. Donaghadee, with their goal advantage, looked to manage the game and make life difficult for Cookstown, and the home team got more and more frustrated as time went by. They won 2 more penalties, but again the defence won out and at the other end both Kerrie and Leanna had chances to put the game to rest, and finally the whistle blew with the final score 1-0 to Donaghadee.

A hard earned victory from a game that saw them hanging on in the first half and controlling much of the second half. An incredible team effort from all 11 players.

This result confirms Donaghadee’s position in fourth place once again and ensures they will end the season with more wins than losses. A reasonable outcome from a season ravaged by injuries and players not being available.

 They have one final match to play when they entertain Ballynahinch at home next week, pass back 2.30pm, with the 2XI in the 1pm slot against Bangor.

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REPORT: 18 Feb 2023: NICS 2-0 DLHC 2XI

Posted on 21/02/2023 by Donaghadee LHC

On Saturday the Seconds travelled to Stormont to play NICS in the late 4pm pass back slot. With only 9 players to start, the team warmed up and eagerly awaited the arrival of two more team mates to bring the numbers up to 11 v 11.

The first five minutes of the first half were unsettled due to the imbalance of numbers, however Donaghadee settled in quickly and put on a strong show with some great play across the pitch.

A short corner won by Service was deflected and cleared to safety by Donaghadee defender Natalie Jamieson out to Row Moore who was waiting in midfield. A super pass then found Molly McKee who eagerly pounced on the ball to drive up the left wing.

This was one of the best chances for Donaghadee to open the scoring but despite their best efforts, no goals were forthcoming in the first quarter.

Midway through the first half saw the team back up to 11 with defender Deborah Gilmore sliding into defence to allow Caroline Davison to sit higher up to clear the NICS attacks before they made it through to Donaghadee’s defence.

Midfielder Erin Hamilton worked tirelessly to win the ball by intercepting NICS balls down the right hand side. Through the middle, Tasha McGimpsey made herself available for lots of short passes, picking out Katie McKee who made several great runs to create some pressure on NICS defence.

Towards the end of the second quarter a penalty corner was awarded to NICS and they were able to convert to end the half 1-0. 

Early in the second half, a strike from a NICS penalty corner was deflected in the other direction by a Dee stick, giving Dee keeper Nicola Patton no chance to make a save as the ball trickled across the goal line, making the score 2-0 (though some might say 1-1!).

Despite best efforts from the team for the remainder of the match, they were unable to convert any of the remaining chances to pull the score back, with the final score 2-0 to NICS, with Tasha McGimpsey being awarded Star Player for this game.

The Seconds are away to Lisnagarvey on Friday 24th at 8.15pm with the 1XI away to Cookstown on Saturday 25th @ at 4.15pm. All support is welcome for both games.

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REPORT: 11 Feb 2023: DLHC 1XI 9-0 Parkview

Posted on 14/02/2023 by Donaghadee LHC
Kerrie, Leanna and Kerry all on the score sheet against Parkview

Senior League 3: DLHC 1XI 9-0 Parkview
Donaghadee 1st XI welcomed Parkview LHC to Bangor Grammar on a very pleasant Saturday afternoon last weekend as the league programme enters the final few weeks of the season. 

Plagued by injuries and unavailable players, it has been brilliant to see many of the 2XI very comfortably striding out for the Firsts in recent matches and it was no different this week.The match got underway with the defensive unit pushing the team forward from the outset, which created a very attacking formation. 

Helen Herron got the ball rolling with an assertive attack down the left feeding a lovely pass to Leanna McGimpsey-Young who took no time to hammer the ball home. The midfield play – supported by the defence – was quick and accurate, with the balls being fed to the forward line in quick succession.

Leanna, who was in excellent form, had two further shots with a return of two further goals. 15 minutes in and the Dee were 3-0 up and looking good. The second quarter began very much as the first ended, with relentless pressure on the Parkview defence, created mainly by Leanna, Kerrie Turtle and Natasha McGimpsey. 

Although Parkview were creating some attacking play of their own, the Dee defensive unit of Claire Stewart, Jan Morrow, Row Moore/Natalie Jamison and Paige Reilly had this easily handled before they got to the Donaghadee defensive 25, turning the ball over and feeding the midfield to attack again. 

Leanna, being fed some lovely through balls, again made no mistake when shooting, putting the ball past the keeper another two times. The relentless attack on the Parkview goal continued; Kerry Kennedy’s turn this time, with a top of the circle strike which rebounded off a Parkview stick to make it 6-0 at the end of the second quarter. 

The third and fourth quarters were played in similar fashion, with Kerrie Turtle scoring a fantastic goal at the left post to make it 7-0. The whole team were also really getting behind Leanna and her scoring momentum, with balls continuing to flow forward as Doaghadee continued their forward momentum.

Leanna finished the fourth quarter with another two goals to make a personal record for her, scoring 7 goals, and a club record with the final score 9-0 to Donaghadee! Although this was a day for Leanna, it was also an all round great performance for this squad. Thanks to Caroline Davison, Erin Hamilton and Emma McGimpsey-Young who were brilliant supporting the team, having already played a match for the 2XI earlier in the day. Sincere thanks also to Mike Smyth and Janice McVeigh for umpiring.

The 2XI were unlucky to go down 3-1 to a strong Randalstown earlier in the day. The 1XI have no match this coming weekend, but the 2XI are in action away to NICS, pass back at Stormont the 4pm slot on the water-based pitch.

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