Ulster Schools’ Cup 3rd Round

Ballyclare High v Portadown College

Monday 10 th December

Last year’s runners up Ballyclare High went out of this season’s Ulster Schools’ Cup in the third round after a 1-2 extra time defeat against Portadown College.

Portadown started ominously well and found sufficient space to make two menacing runs into the Ballyclare circle in the first minute. The Ballyclare supporters found greater encouragement from the next passage of play which saw Lydia Campbell and Amy McConnell combine well, and then Sarah Agnew threatened to create the first scoring opportunity for the home side.

At this stage Ballyclare were coping well with the visitors’ attacks, Megan Thompson making several eye-catching interventions to frustrate the Portadown players. Sarah Agnew’s willing running earned Ballyclare an attacking opportunity after 9 minutes, from which Jennifer McBrien found Amy McConnell. She guided the ball accurately into the path of Lauren Mawhinney who seized the opportunity to fire Ballyclare into an early lead with a well-directed shot.

Portadown responded purposefully and won two penalty corners in quick succession. Amy McConnell launched another Ballyclare counterattack, while Rebecca Smith gradually gained the upper hand in midfield. The Portadown defenders were clearly very aware of the threat posed by prolific goal-scorer Vanessa Surgeoner and worked hard to deny her any opportunities. However, despite the attention of the visiting defenders, it was Vanessa who nearly scored the second, potentially decisive goal. After good work from Sarah Agnew in the 16 th minute, Vanessa’s cleanly struck penalty corner shot was deftly cleared by the Portadown player on the right post.

Good running from Vanessa Surgeoner created more space for Ballyclare after 20 minutes, but the resultant penalty corner was wasted. At the other end two Portadown penalty corners were expertly saved by Lynn Taylor. Although the Portadown players occasionally enjoyed some space in attack it looked as if Ballyclare would reach the interval with a precious lead. However, with only three minutes of the first period remaining, another penalty corner resulted in the equaliser for the visitors, much to the disappointment of the home players and supporters. Ballyclare’s response was immediate and spirited as Rebecca Smith launched another promising attack, but Sarah Agnew was dispossessed as she moved into the circle.

The second half began with a courageous block from Lydia Campbell as Portadown pressed forward. Both sides initially struggled to find the attacking fluency of the first period, although Lauren Mawhinney prompted some good attacking moves for Ballyclare. Lydia Campbell made another crucial intervention to avert a dangerous attack, while Rebecca Smith continued to control Ballyclare’s attacks and test the resilience of the visitors’ defence to the full.

With only ten minutes remaining Amy McConnell almost created a great chance for Lauren Mawhinney, while Portadown’s next attack was thwarted by an outstanding challenge from Megan Thompson. Her composed play in defence was a feature of the Ballyclare performance throughout the game. With six minutes remaining Suzie Weir carried the ball the full length of the pitch and appeared to be unlucky not to win a penalty corner. The second half ended with Ballyclare on the attack and Rebecca Smith’s penalty corner shot was again well saved.

Ballyclare started the first extra period in lacklustre fashion and allowed Portadown the space to craft two early chances. Lynn Taylor made two more impressive saves, before another cross flashed across the Ballyclare circle but none of the forwards could apply the finishing touch

The final minute of the first period of extra time produced drama at both ends of the pitch. First a last ditch tackle ended an outstanding run from Rebecca Smith. Then a beguiling cross field run from Portadown’s Irish senior international star Rachel Mulligan culminated in a sensational reverse stick finish which found the back of the net and appeared to have broken the deadlock. After consulting the umpires decided that time had elapsed prior to this outstanding finish and the game remained evenly poised at 1-1.

Another reverse stick shot from the same player was saved by Lynn Taylor at the start of the second half of extra time. Suzie Weir was forced to make another important clearance as Rachel Mulligan began to exert greater influence for the visitors. The Portadown pressure was finally rewarded when the same player drove home a penalty corner shot with only five minutes remaining. Ballyclare did try to mount a comeback and earned one penalty corner in the dying minutes. However, they could not find an equaliser and the final whistle sounded to confirm the home side’s defeat.

Defeat in any competitive sport inevitably produces an acutely felt sense of disappointment. All too often that disappointment stems from a sense of regret that players performed below their potential or that pre-match plans were not executed. However, nothing could be further from the truth on this occasion. The Ballyclare girls can look back with pride at their contribution to this match. Despite suffering their first defeat they produced one of the most accomplished performances of the season and it is to Portadown’s credit that they managed to emerge victorious.

Five Ballyclare players were taking part in their last Ulster Schools’ Cup campaign and they all made a significant contribution to the team effort. Lynn Taylor continued her outstanding form from the previous cup match against Omagh Academy and made another series of very fine saves, inspiring confidence in the home defence. Suzie Weir was once again a tower of strength defensively, while the attacking dimension to her game added potency to the Ballyclare play. Rebecca Smith got the better of her keenly anticipated individual tussle in the heart of midfield, and was instrumental in most of Ballyclare best moves. Amy McConnell had her best game of the season combining defensive responsibility with a constant attacking threat on the right hand side. And club captain Holly Steele-Nicholson gave another determined and energetic display demonstrating the same qualities that have characterised her play throughout the season.

All five players deserve great credit for their individual performances on this occasion, for the way they have responded to the rebuilding process this season and the manner in which they have nurtured the young talent around them.

The Ballyclare squad began the season uncertain of how their new team would perform. It is a credit to the players and the coaches that they have developed into another talented and committed group of players who have both entertained and impressed the home supporters with the high standard of their play. Ultimately the Schools’ Cup draw proved too difficult this season, but with the same effort, skill and commitment they have shown already this season, players, coaches and supporters alike can look forward to more successful cup campaigns in the future.

Player of the match: Suzie Weir

Squad: Lynn Taylor, Megan Thompson, Lydia Campbell, Holly Steele-Nicholson, Suzie Weir, Rebecca Smith, Jenny McBrien, Amy McConnell, Lauren Mawhinney, Sarah Agnew, Vanessa Surgeoner, Penny Brown, Joanna Mills, Clare Holmes, Kerri Hill, Helen McKinstry.

Match Report by our Roving Reporter