Disappointing trip to Ballymoney for Seconds in league fixture

Ballymoney Ladies Seconds 2

BANBRIDGE Ladies Seconds travelled to the Joey Dunlop Centre on Saturday to play Ballymoney Thirds in a league fixture.

With another changed line-up Bann were slow to start and immediately came under pressure from the home forwards. However, good goalkeeping from Annie Gregg and the experience of the Bann defence of Jo-Anne Lyttle, Rosie Waddell, Julie Craig and Claire Ussher managed to avert any danger but this was a sign of things to come.

After the first 10 minutes, Bann settled into their game and were able to find a rhythm of flowing hockey and developed good links between the midfield and forwards with Zoe Jameson particularly impressive in centre midfield.

Bann forced a number of penalty corners and Lyndsey Courtney was able to capitalise on an opportunity from a corner variation to give Bann the lead, slightly against the run of play.

However Ballymoney always looked dangerous on the counter attack and kept up the pressure on the Bann defence but again solid work from the midfield and defence prevented them from equalising and at half time Bann had maintained their lead.

The second half saw increased pressure from the home side however they missed chance after chance allowing Bann to keep the advantage.

With 10 minutes remaining on the clock, the Bann keeper sustained an injury which left her barely able to stand but she bravely decided to finish the game.

Bann fortified their defence in order to protect their lead but Ballymoney’s luck changed when they equalised after their initial shot hit the post, leaving keeper and defence with no chance.

Soon after Ballymoney took the lead following a penalty corner switch and although Bann battled to the end, the final score was 2-1 to the home team.

Although disappointed to have lost the match, having led for most of the game, Bann recognised that Ballymoney had played superior hockey. But hopefully with a settled squad, the Seconds will record their first win of the 2010/11 season when they face North Down Thirds at home next week.

Thanks to Diane McMillan for umpiring the match and to Mr Dowey for driving the minibus.