Greenisland Ladies Hockey Club

Super victory for Under 14s!

On Sunday 16th November, Greenisland Ladies Junior Squad sponsored by TESCO came up against tough opposition in the form of Mossely Ladies Under 14s. Having previously won their last league match 13-1 against Grosvenor, confidence was high amongst the girls and they were determined to keep up their winning streak.

With three players falling ill at the last minute and one of the core squad carrying an injury, the girls knew they had to give their all to pull off a good result and that’s exactly what they did. The match began with Mossley showing some great team play and putting the Greenisland defence of Corrie Johnston (captain), Sophie Mills and Chloe Carlin under immense pressure. However they remained calm and showed fantastic growth in their hockey skills, dealing with everything Mossley threw at them ensuring that they were kept at bay. However if it weren’t for the the magnificent display of goalkeeping from young Amy McWhirter the Greenisland girls could quite easily have been 2-0 down in the first five minutes.

The girls settled and began to play as a team, with the midfield working tirelessly to break through the opposition's defence. Their hard work was rewarded after 10 minutes, a diving save from Amy McWhirter (joint player of the match) followed up by a fantastic clearance from Sophie Mills found young Jade Gardiner, who picked up the ball at the half way line, showing her potential, she went round three or four player and struck the ball at the top of the circle to put Greenisland 1-0 up.

Again Mossley did not give up and kept attacking the Greenisland defence, nevertheless showing some wonderful team play the girls managed to stay strong and clear every ball that came into the circle.

At half time the score remained 1-0 to Greenisland, however they were quick to be reminded of complacency and how they had to work even harder in the second half to remain in control of the game.

Greenisland U14s

The girls came out in the second half determined to win the match, although the defence were constantly worked throughout this half. Greenisland's midfield of Jade Gardiner, Emily McCartney, Louise Hunter and Claire Courtney came into their own and began to put Mossley under great pressure, making their keeper pull of some superb saves. Centre forward Samm Cox worked across the pitch, creating gaps in the Mossley defence and was unlucky not to get a goal. Young forward Lauren Kirker was unable to play due to illness, but must be congratulated on turning up and supporting her team.

Greenisland’s second goal came from another defensive clearance, Chloe Carlin cleared the ball of the goal line for it to be picked up by Corrie Johnston (joint player of the match) who sent it right to Sophie Mills, Sophie took on a number of players before making a excellent pass to Louise Hunter, who picked up the ball in the 25 yard box, ran it into the circle and put the ball in the back of the net to make the scoreline 2-0.

Due to lack of fresh legs the Greenisland girls started to tire, Mossley took advantage of this and began to attack more than they had previously, again putting pressure on Greenisland, who were saved a number of times by fantastic clearances from Amy McWhirter and her back line of defence. The midfield continued to help out defensively and attacked Mossley on the break, winning a number of penalty corners but unfortunately were unable to convert them. A free hit taken by captain Corrie Johnston found Jade Gardiner completely free, to pick up the ball and fire it into the bottom corner of the net in the last five minutes of the game, making the final score 3-0 to Greenisland Girls.

A fantastic result and a well deserved win for the young team who seem to progress every match.

Coach Karla Hunter said, the whole team are to be commended for their tireless work rate, awareness and in particular team play. This is the best I have seen my girls play, they have began to gel as a team and it’s certainly paying off, hopefully they will keep up this great form. For me every single player on the pitch was my player of the match. Well done girls!

Team: Amy McWhirter, Chloe Carlin, Corrie Johnston (Capt), Sophie Mills, Jade Gardiner, Claire Courtney, Emily Macartney, Louise Hunter, Samm Cox and Lauren Kirker