Strong Money side dominate

On Saturday 15th September, Ballymoney 1stXI hosted Ballymena in their opening game of the Premier league. Following an intensive pre season, the Ballymoney side were excited to get their league campaign up and running with Maine gym sponsoring the 1stXI matchball of the season. The newly promoted Ballymena side started strongly putting some early pressure on Ballymoney’s defence. However, the toon girls soon found their rhythm and won a number of penalty corners. It was in fact, a well worked penalty corner routine that put Ballymoney ahead. A cross from Holly Barr, making her debut for the 1stXI, found Nikki Parke who then deflected it past the Ballymena goalkeeper. The goal settled the home side and Ballymoney began to show some dominance and were unfortunate not to score again before the break, as Bridget Cleland saw her shot come back off the upright.

The second half started at a fast pace and Ballymoney soon doubled their lead with a goal after 6 minutes. This time it was a pass from Suzannah Brown in open play to once again find Nikki Parke who made no mistake in slotting it past the keeper. Ballymena responded quickly, forcing a number of good saves from Ballymoney’s keeper, Meghann Doey. The remaining minutes were full of end to end action, with Ruth Sutherland clearing the ball from her defensive goal mouth. It was Ruth who had the last say in the game scoring Ballymoney’s third and final goal from a well taken penalty corner. Coach Richard Fairmen was delighted to get off to a winning start and will now prepare for their next match away to Dungannon next Saturday.