Dromore Seconds maintain unbeaten run

Dromore Ladies Seconds 1

BANBRIDGE Ladies Seconds took on their local rivals Dromore Seconds on Saturday at Havelock.

Dromore are currently unbeaten in the league and Bann expected this to be a very tough game.

Dromore started the game strongly and immediately broke through and threatened the Banbridge defence however some timely clearances from Bann prevented Dromore from gaining from these early attacks.

Bann soon began to settle into the game with Orla Magee, Ashleigh Mitchell and Lynda McKinley making some threatening runs up front putting the Dromore girls under some pressure.

Some good hockey was played all over the pitch with Bann passing the ball well and creating more opportunities up front and battling for everything. The back four of Julie Craig, Rosie Waddell, Diane McMillen and Jade Kennedy were solid in defence and time after time prevented the Dromore forwards from breaking through.

Dromore did have some shots at goal but Bann keeper Annie Gregg, just back from injury, was in great form and kept Banbridge in the game on a number of occasions. Diane McMillen also made a timely clearance off the Banbridge line to prevent Dromore from taking the lead.

The Bann midfield battled hard with their counterparts and some good attacking play saw Banbridge awarded a penalty corner. The well rehearsed corner routine resulted in Bann being awarded a penalty stroke after a Dromore foot on the line which Diane McMillen was unlucky not to convert.

The Dromore side seemed shook by this Banbridge possession and looked more vulnerable, allowing more opportunities for Bann up front just before the half time whistle.

The second half saw much of the same play as the first with end to end hockey with both sides having chances to score. The Dromore side threw everything at the Bann girls and the home side looked unsettled but again some strong tackling and great goalkeeping prevented any score.

Bann continued to battle hard but minutes before the final whistle a break through left Bann keeper Annie Gregg with no chance and Dromore took the lead.

Bann fought back hard right to the final whistle but the equaliser was not to be. Despite losing the game Bann should be proud of their performance against the top side in the league but will be disappointed not to gain a point from the game.

This week Banbridge Seconds take on Victorians Thirds at Havelock. Thanks to Sheree Totton for umpiring.