Randalstown Ladies back to their winning ways

Randalstown 2XI: 2 - Mossley: 0

Randalstown 2XI were under the lights on Friday evening as they took on Mossley at Antrim Forum. Town started the game strongly, applying pressure from the first whistle and putting the Mossley defence under pressure. Both teams settled into the game well, with possession evenly shared during the opening exchanges. The breakthrough came from Randalstown's first penalty corner of the match. Emily Wray stepped up and fired a powerful strike into the backboard, giving Town a deserved 1-0 lead.

Mossley responded well in the second quarter and began creating opportunities on the counterattack, earning several entries into the circle. However, Randalstown's defence of Laura Murray, Ashley Nesbitt, Jessica Magill and Cassie Fulton stood firm, dealing well with the pressure and keeping Mossley from creating any clear-cut chances. Town continued to work hard across the pitch, ensuring the ball was moved safely away from danger whenever Mossley threatened.

After discussing a few marking issues at half-time and focusing on maintaining possession higher up the pitch, Town came out with renewed energy. Strong link up play through the midfield of Alex Graham, Lucy Ewart, Caroline Creighton and Sophie Cumberland allowed Randalstown to repeatedly break into the Mossley circle and create attacking opportunities. Several penalty corners followed, with Town coming close on a number of occasions. After a series of chances and a few near misses, Emily Wray grabbed her second goal of the evening with a slight deflection that found its way past the goalkeeper. The quarter ended with Mossley earning multiple penalty corners, but Town remained calm under pressure and defended superbly to maintain their clean sheet.

Going into the final quarter, Town were determined to protect their lead and see out the game. The forward line of Erin Murdock, Laura Elliot, Lucy Cumberland and Emily Wray continued to work tirelessly, maintaining the press and putting pressure on the Mossley defence whenever possible. At the other end, goalkeeper Abigail Porter produced several important saves to keep Mossley off the scoresheet. Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Town held their ground and secured a well-deserved 2-0 victory.

Randalstown 2XI would like to thank both umpires and CJ for their support and coaching throughout the match. Player of the Match was Emily Wray

Randalstown Ladies 4XI: 6– Holywood 3XI: 2

Randalstown got off to a strong start, with some lovely passing between Molly McKenna, Grace Steele and Jessica Smyth. A brilliant long ball from Grace found Pamela Waring, who finished well to put Randalstown 1–0 ahead at the end of the first quarter. Lucy Clarke and Jess King also linked up well, while Molly made an important clearance.

Randalstown continued to build momentum in the second quarter, with Laura McCormack finding the net after a great pass from Anna Kane. Holywood fought back to make it 2–1, but Randalstown responded quickly. Pamela added another with a lovely touch from Anna’s delivery, before Jess scored following excellent build-up play from Evie Getty and Jessica Smyth. Strong defending from Lana and Molly helped keep Holywood at bay, before Pamela grabbed another to make it 5–1.

The third quarter saw Randalstown continue to create chances, with Laura McCormack scoring again to make it 6–1. Katie Smyth impressed with some excellent defending, while Lucy Clarke provided some great passing into the forwards. Despite further chances for Pamela and Laura, their efforts went just wide.

Holywood came out fighting in the final quarter and managed to pull one back to make it 6–2. Helen McMillen produced a great save, while Carolyn Drysdale, Jessicas Patterson, Lana and Molly all put in excellent defensive performances. Katie also led a great attacking run, with Grace having an effort saved. Two Holywood short corners were also well defended.

Special mention to Jessica Patterson on her first senior match, showing the talent coming through the junior section. Player of the Match went to Anna Kane for a fantastic performance in midfield!

A strong all-round team performance from Randalstown, who secured an impressive 6–2 victory! Thanks again to coach Nathan and Phil for umpiring.