A PAIR of Zara Malseed goals led Ards Ladies to victory over Larne in midweek as they maintained their place at the Women’s Premier League summit.
The breakthrough came early, when sustained attacking pressure paid off. A fast midfield transition, driven by Ellen Fitzpatrick who spent the match zipping around opponents and firing threatening balls into the circle, created chaos in the circle. When Alana Doyle struck the ball into the D, the ball broke loose across the penalty spot and Zara Malseed reacted quickest to make it 1–0.
Ards continued to dictate the pace. Emma Reid was a constant menace, using her tight skills to eliminate defenders. Her work, combined with Alyssa Boyd and Naomi Grundie’s composed distribution in midfield, kept Ards firmly on the front foot.
At the back, the defence remained tight and disciplined. Ali Scott put in a standout shift with several well-timed tackles, while Alana Doyle balanced her defensive duties with excellent, precise forward passes that repeatedly launched Ards into attack.
Up front, the forwards made the most of the service. Susanna Cotter caused continual problems by driving along the backline, opening pockets of space in the circle. Maddie Leathem and Alana Thornton both kept defenders honest with shots on target, stretching the opposition throughout the match.
Ards’ pressure finally produced their second goal. Pippa Best slid a clever pass, catching the defence off guard. Malseed read it perfectly, hitting a reverse from the top of the D into the bottom corner for her second goal of the match.
The match closed with Ards firmly in control, their possession game strong and their attacking unit continually threatening. A well-deserved win highlighted by excellent teamwork, tight defence and a standout brace from Malseed.
