Belfast Royal Academy V Ballyclare High School

On Saturday morning Ballyclare welcomed Belfast Royal Academy to their home pitch to challenge for a place in the final of the Ulster School Girls' Shield.

From the whistle, Ballyclare dominated the play and within a few minutes Lauren Mawhinney won Ballyclare their first short corner. However, Vanessa Surgeoner’s shot was well saved and cleared by the B.R.A defence. Ballyclare continued to pressure B.R.A and with the midfield out competing their opponents for the ball, attacking play from Ballyclare was very much the case. With Sarah Agnew, Vanessa Surgeoner and Lauren Mawhinney all working hard in the circle and winning corners, it seemed inevitable that a goal would shortly follow.

A short corner five minutes before half time allowed Vanessa Surgeoner to add to her tally for the season from a straight strike which was placed to perfection. From the reset, Ballyclare applied the pressure more than ever and with Amy McConnell combining well with Rebecca Smith, B.R.A were well and truly on the back foot.

The score line did not reflect the dominance of the Ballyclare side with the B.R.A goalkeeper making the result look like a more competitive game. Ballyclare defended well whenever B.R.A attacked and a fantastic performance from Suzie Weir and Holly Steele Nicholson left Ballyclare confident that they could press further up the pitch. Also, great tackles from Lydia Campbell and Megan Thompson kept the ball away from goalkeeper Lynn Taylor who didn’t manage to touch it once. Ballyclare moved the ball around the pitch with great pace and accuracy and combinations of play between Jenny McBrien and Rebecca Smith, and Amy McConnell and Lauren Mawhinney brought about many other scoring opportunities for the side. Ballyclare put in one of their best performances of the season so far and were evidently the better side. They thoroughly deserved the win and now look forward to a place in the final of the shield where they will face Friends High School.

Final Score: Belfast Royal Academy 0 - Ballyclare High School 1

Player of the Match: Rebecca Smith

Goal Scorer: Vanessa Surgeoner