Narrow defeat against strong side for South ladies

South Ladies Seconds hoped to continue their successful season to date hosting Ballymena at their home pitch at Friend’s School. Unfortunately they suffered a narrow defeat to a strong Ballymena team.

Ballymena got off to a great start playing beyond their league position putting the Lisburn team under pressure.

The South defence though held firm with Emer Drayne continuing to play a solid game at the centre of defence and Catherine Faulkner ensuring that they had no shots on target.

The young South team started to find some confidence with Sarah Neill giving Anna McFarlane a fine pass to enable a shot on target.

Unfortunately South were to be denied and had to keep working hard to get through the Balymena defence.

Ballymena responded in attacking mode but any move down the right was soon blocked by Louise Boyd and Nicole Robinson adding to the fine display from the South defence.

South continued to push hard for a break and the young players, Lucy Fitzpatrick and Bethany Lockhart worked hard in midfield to set up some chances for Laura McConnell to add to her goal tally for the season but the final touch was missing on this occasion. The second half continued like the first with end to end hockey providing a good spectacle for the home supporters.

South’s young players continued to work hard but Cathy Gillis found it hard with some stout defending from the Ballymena side. Ballymena then took full advantage of a loose ball and attacked the South goal resulting in a fine save from Courtney Mills in goals.

As they continued another attack a goal line scramble resulted in a goal for their efforts.

South continued to push for a goal and managed to win a few short corners but failed to get a shot on target.

As they head into the Christmas break South will hope they can get back to winning ways and keep their strong league position in 4th place.

Many thanks to Neil Wilson for umpiring and well done to Luck Fitzpatrick and Louise Boyd for joint players of the match.