Sizzling finishing sees off thirds

Cookstown are a strong team, so a tough match was expected.

Ballymoney however started off by looking the stronger of the two sides.

The team showed confidence and produced many chances to score, but unfortunately were not able to finish off their attacks. One such attack came from a fabulous run by Johanne McAlister who swept the ball across the circle past the goals but Rebecca McPeak just failed to get contact on the ball.

Hollie Flemming and Emma Patton were able to beat their opponents by clever stick work and speed. Cookstown were a well drilled and fit team even though they were not as skilled as individuals as the Ballymoney players. Having been awarded a few penalty corners, they scored a goal ten minutes into the game.

Ballymoney came out after the break and were immediately defending a very determined Cookstown side. The pace of the game increased and again they won numerous penalty corners which were ably spoiled by the Ballymoney defenders Aine MacAuley, Kate Ruddock, Ciara McGuigan and Sophie Spence. Lauren Marshall pulled off a number of fine saves as well.

Every opportunity of a goal was getting closer but we just couldn’t get a ball past the goal keeper with Cookstown players remaining tight in defence. Fustrated Cookstown attacked against Ballymoney players using fast, short passes and broke free, Ballymoney defenders tried their best to defend but two powerful shot at goals made the score 3-0.

Second half of the match Ballymoney’s midfield worked really hard and as the match was fierce and fast a high level of fitness was required. Aine MacAuley swept the ball into the circle, Rebecca McPeak deflected it into the net and unluckily the goal was disallowed as the ball wasn’t taken the correct distance before being released into the circle.

Fifty minutes into the game and the Left Midfield of Cookstown couldn’t beat Lauren Marshall who created a great number of excellent saves. Ballymoney managed to keep up the pace of the ball and gave a great effort of two shots at goals but couldn’t get the ball past the opponent’s goalie.

On the whole, the midfield and defence had to stay focused as the Cookstown forwards kept switching and were very fast in attack. This was a very good learning experience for the Ballymoney team. Overall, this was a very disappointing result as it was an evenly contested game between two very skilled teams. Many thanks to Jackie for umpiring and to Lynne for coaching.