LADIES INTERMEDIATE CUP
HOLYWOOD LADIES 0
OWLS LADIES 3
HOLYWOOD Ladies exited the Intermediate Cup following defeat to an Owls side ranked a league above at Sullivan Upper School on a bright autumnal afternoon on Saturday.
The match started at a fast pace with both teams competing well and making some good breaks. Holywood’s Nicky Burns made several excellent covering tackles while Naomi McClelland was superb in midfield and Louise McKee along with Lucy Cunningham marshalled the defence to thwart many Owls attacks.
Owls had several periods of sustained pressure in the second quarter and after creating an excellent angle for a shot into the corner, they established a 1-0 lead.
Holywood didn’t let their heads drop as Ellen Gilpin combined well with promising newcomer Frances Benton to relieve further pressure. Rachael Gowdy looked dangerous upfront, but the visitors defended well and Holywood were unable to find an equaliser before half-time.
Holywood dominated the third quarter with captain Rachel Aicken intercepting well and passing intelligently from the right midfield. The speedy Sarah Baker went close but her strong reverse shot from the top of the circle was well saved.
Hollie Gilpin maintained her fine early-season form by linking well with Rachel Aicken and Jenny Baker showed excellent work rate in the midfield with several crucial tackles.
Owls fought back and won a penalty corner towards the end of the quarter. Despite a Holywood player being adjudged to have broken the line and being sent to half-way, Owls failed to convert a rebound opportunity, alert goalkeeper Kaitlyn Moffett having saved the initial shot. The quarter ended with Owls still 1-0 ahead.
Owls had strong final quarter, winning a penalty corner early and scoring a textbook goal from the penalty spot to go two in front.
Holywood fought back with pressure from Gilpin down the right but the visitors kept her at bay, before adding a well worked third goal to the ’keeper’s right late on.
Holywood’s player of the match was Naomi McClelland and she thanked Alan McQuitty for umpiring and Holywood’s supporters for their enthusiasm. The ladies return to league action this weekend when they host PSNI at Sullivan on Saturday.
