Newry Olympic Ladies 1-4 Donaghadee Ladies

Newry Olympic ladies played their first match of 2022 on Friday 14th January, at home on the newly refurbished club pitch against Donaghadee ladies.

Donaghadee won the pushback and were quick to drive the ball forward, but Newry were straight in to intercept. Newry played the ball well through the midfield and forwards, keeping Donaghadee’s defence under pressure. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long however before Donaghadee broke forward and quickly moved the ball into the Newry circle where their left winger put them one-nil up.

Newry kept their heads and worked well as a team, creating some lovely passes and tackles and were determined to equalise. However, the Olympic side soon faced their first penalty corner of the match, which was well cleared by second runner Rachael Greer. Donaghadee continued to put pressure on the Newry defence and they secured their second goal of the game when their centre forward struck the ball from the top of the circle into the net, giving keeper Katie McCullough no chance. With not long to go before the end of the first quarter, Newry won a penalty corner which was pushed out by Kathryn Baird to Jodie Freeman who slipped the ball to Chrissie McAuley, who in turn smashed the ball into the bottom left of the net, to end the first quarter with the home side 2-1 down.

Newry came out strongly in the second quarter and with fantastic defending by Rebecca Murdock, Abbey Haire and Lisa Murdock, Donaghadee had few opportunities to score any more goals. At half time the score remained 2-1 to Donaghadee.

Not long into the third quarter, Donaghadee’s centre forward broke through to beat Newry keeper McCullough one-on-one, for what was a brilliant goal by the forward. Despite being 3-1 down, Newry continued to play some great hockey and never gave up.

The Olympic girls were unfortunate to end the match 4-1 down, as Donaghadee’s centre forward scored their last goal of the game half way through the fourth quarter.

Right up to the final whistle, Newry continued to show their energy and determination in what was another superb performance by the whole team.

Newry Olympic Ladies 1s:

Katie McCullough, Kathy Baird (Captain), Laverne Inns, Rachael Greer, Chrissie McAuley, Jodie Freeman, Sarah McNeilly, Abbey Haire, Stephanie Smart, Rebecca Murdock, Zara Moffett, Emma-Jayne Moffett, Lisa Murdock