
McCONNELL SHIELD
ARDS LADIES SECONDS 4
COLERAINE LADIES SECONDS 0
LUCY Andrews scored a pair of second-half goals as Ards Ladies Seconds reached the last eight of the McConnell Shield with victory over Coleraine on Saturday.
Keen to blow off any cobwebs from the Christmas break, Ards started strongly and put early pressure on the Coleraine defence. An early opportunity saw Vikky Reid test the goalkeeper with a snapshot, but she was denied the opener and moments later Amy Crossman was also unlucky not to get on the scoresheet when committed running saw her only inches away from a tap in at the back post.
The breakthrough came early in the second quarter when Maddie Leathem performed her customary rapid stickwork to draw in the defence before a clever pass allowed Phoebe Russell to slot home from a tight angle.
The Coleraine defence remained strong despite the sustained pressure from the home team, leaving the half-time scoreline only 1-0.
However, Ards increased the intensity in the second half and extended their lead through Lucy Andrews when she received a pinpoint pass from left-back Anna Browne before rounding the ’keeper to score.
Attacks were developing opportunities from all angles and the third goal came from the right hand side when Betty Burrows linked up effectively with Becky Kirk before passing across the circle. A deflection from a defender saw the ball rise into the air but that was of no concern to Georgia Thornton, who took control and knocked home.
Coleraine continued to battle hard against their higher-ranked opposition, but were reduced to sporadic breakaway opportunities which were confidently marshalled by Ards goalkeeper Mia Smyth and her defence.
Andrews scored her deserved second in the last quarter with a diving effort, leaving the final scoreline at 4-0. With thanks to Gillian Murphy for umpiring, Mark Hutchison and Lynn Mills for coaching and all the spectators who braved the wet and cold weather to cheer the girls on.