First defeat of season for girls

Lisburn Ladies travelled to Premier League outfit Ballymena, who play two divisions above the local club, for undoubtedly their toughest test of the season in the County Antrim Cup on Monday evening and with it came their first defeat.

Even before the game, the task got significantly tougher due to the absence of NI U17 goalkeeper Jessica Poots with top goal-scorer Stacey Hamilton having to move back into nets.

Nevertheless, the Lisburn girls started off brightly, taking the game to Ballymena. From the off, they knew chances would be limited, but had a great opportunity to go 1-0 ahead. Forward Jenny Hinds, however, was unable to convert and the keeper made the save.

The girls had to battle against the Premier League opponents in midfield and were holding their own and limiting the senior side’s goal-scoring opportunities.

However, just before the break, Ballymena showed their class by lashing a 35 yard screamer into the roof of the net to open a 1-0 lead.

In the second-half, Ballymena used their experience in keeping the ball and making the Lisburn girls work extra hard to win possession.

Mid-way through the second half, the home side made it 2-0 with a neat finish into the bottom corner. Lisburn did have a late great chance to pull one back only this time the keeper blocked a shot from CJ.