Schools’ Cup Hockey 1st Round

Dalriada v Ballyclare High

Saturday 12th November at Ballymoney

A goal from Rebecca Smith after five minutes of extra time earned Ballyclare High a deserved win over the 2001 Schools’ Cup finalists Dalriada in an entertaining and closely contested first round tie.

Ballyclare began the match in positive fashion and created several good early opportunities. A free hit from Lyn Brown found Amy McConnell whose shot was well saved by the home goalkeeper, and then an excellent run from Linzi Pollock went unrewarded as the ball flashed across the circle just out of reach of the Ballyclare forwards.

Ballyclare continued to dominate the early stages, but the occasional misplaced pass invited some pressure from the home side. Rachel Aiken made a fine save as Dalriada mounted their first meaningful attack after twelve minutes.

Linzi Pollock, Lyn Brown and Sharon Graham instigated most of Ballyclare’s best moves, but were also instrumental in denying the home side any space and disrupting the flow of their attacking play. Lisa Barrett and Louise Bell tackled tenaciously in defence as Ballyclare continued to deny the home side any clear goal-scoring opportunities.

After a scoreless first half Ballyclare resumed positively and a well struck shot from Linzi Pollock was deflected by the Dalriada goalkeeper onto the outside of the post. Excellent perseverance from Amy McConnell allowed Ballyclare to continue the attack and as the ball broke to the edge of the circle Sharon Graham’s accurate shot fired Ballyclare into a deserved lead.

Another penalty corner saw Rebecca Smith shoot just wide but as the second half developed Paula Browne and Suzie Weir were more frequently called upon to deny the Dalriada forwards with strong tackles.

The home side found the equalising goal in the 43rd minute. Rachel Aiken made a good save from a penalty corner only for a Dalriada player to net the rebound.

To their credit Ballyclare responded immediately to this untimely setback and enjoyed another spell of pressure, working hard to try to maintain the supply to Rebecca Smith and Carolynne Dougan. However Dalriada also continued to threaten, often moving forward at pace after Ballyclare surrendered possession while on the attack.

With the stalemate unbroken the game moved into extra time and Rebecca Smith scored the decisive goal after a pleasing combination involving Sharon Graham, Lyn Brown and Amy McConnell.

The second period of extra time saw Dalriada press forward in search of another equaliser, while Ballyclare defended resolutely. Ballyclare had to endure one particularly nervous moment as they anxiously awaited the outcome of a protracted deliberation between the two umpires who eventually awarded another penalty corner which was scrambled to safety by the determined Ballyclare defence.

The skill and commitment shown in this match augur well for the remainder of the season for Ballyclare who will now travel to face either Coleraine High or Bloomfield in the second round.

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