The Ballymoney Ladies 1stXI travelled to the south of Ireland to play University College Cork, in the first round of the Irish Senior Cup. With a well stocked Minibus, they set off on their journey. The toon girls prepared for a fast paced game as UCC were top of the Munster League last season and currently play in IHL division 2.

The game started with equally strong play from both sides. Bridget Cleland held midfield and worked hard along side Laura Nevin and Rachel Minihan to protect dangerous territory. Ballymoney’s hard-work payed off, when Nikki Parke won a free outside the circle, which resulted in their first goal; a well worked ball along the baseline which Parke then slotted past the keeper. At 25 minutes UCC found a foot in the D with a short corner being awarded. However, with a good effort, no goal was scored due to a wide, high ball. Becky Linford and Elle Kirgan continued to play strong balls from the back line through to forwards, Katherine Minihan and Lucy Millar, stretching the pitch and allowing for fluid passages of play.
UCC began the second half determined to fill the D. Midfield players Suzannah Brown, Olivia Mullan and Cathryn Knipe, continued to play the ball around the opposition, thus offering space to Lucy McCartney and Holly Barr who used the wings to drive at high speed to goal. Soon enough midfielder, Brown found her way to goal and hammered home the team’s second goal, with a strong strike. The toon girls worked tirelessly on counter attacks, preventing UCC progressing into the D.

With the final score standing at Ballymoney 2-0 UCC, the ladies will look ahead to their league matches, in preparation for ISC round 2 on Sunday 1st December, against Loreto. Notably a good performance, making for a content and happy journey home.

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