Mixed fortunes for Dalriada hockey teams

The team started well and had numerous early chances through short corners and open play, but could not turn these opportunities into goals.

Parkhall rarely got the ball out of their own half and when they did it was cleanly picked up by the defence.

Good attacking play from Hollie Fleming, Abi Curry and Georgina Cochrane put the Parkhall goalie under pressure, but credit to her she coped well with the shots on goal.

Diana Clark and Hollie Fleming had some good chances forcing the Parkhall goalie into numerous saves.

Dalriada's defence was tested at the beginning of the second half, but shots were easily cleared by backs Albany Ferguson-Smith, Emma Millar and Caitlin de Jode.

Dalriada soon got the ball back up and into the Parkhall circle, but the goal still proved elusive.

They had good attacking runs from Lauren McMullan, Claire Surgeoner and Stephanie Calderwood, as well as from replacement Sarah Craig. Even sweeper Judith McConaghy, playing out of position played very well, and really helped the team.

Finally with a few minutes to go, Rachel Allen scored a superb goal from the edge of the circle.

We had the breakthrough we needed and were able to relax until the end of the match. Mention must also go to goalkeeper Kathryn McCann, who stayed focussed without touching the ball!

Team was Kathryn McCann, Albany Ferguson-Smith, Judith McConaghy, Caitlin de Jode, Emma Millar, Stephanie Calderwood, Rachel Allan, Georgina Cochrane,Hollie Fleming (captain), Abi Curry, Claire Surgeoner, Diana Clark, Lauren McMullan and Sarah Craig.