LARNE LADIES REVIEW: Russell on target in draw with Victorians

Both teams battled through bitterly cold and wet weather conditions in the Senior 1 enounter. Larne started off well, keeping Victorians pinned in their own half and they were rewarded whenthe breakthrough goal arrived after a great passing move down the left saw Angela McFall’s attempt at goal helped into the far corner by Gillian Russell. Larne continued to dominate, earning several penalty corners, but were unable to extend their lead before the interval. Victorians came back into the game in the second half, putting Larne’s defence under pressure on the break. The hosts were still the better side but were getting frustrated, failing to create many more clear-cut chances. Against the run of play, Victorians managed to snatch an equaliser when they converted from penalty corner at the second attempt after the initial shot was well saved by Lucy McClelland. Larne continued to push for the winner, keeping Victorians pinned back for the final few minutes of the game but the killer pass just couldn’t be found and Nikki Kempton’s side had to settle for a point. Larne Ladies: L. McClelland, L. Snoddy, N. Kempton (c), K. Neill, L. Booth, B. McFerran, G. Rennix, S. McGookin, B. McVeigh, G. Russell, A. McFall, D. Henry, P. Crawford, R. Love. Elsewhere the club’s 2nd XI drew 0-0 against Randalstown 3rd XI and the 3rd XI lost 2-1 against Coleraine 2nd XI. Ashley Bouma was on target for Larne. Meanwhile, Ballyclare Ladies were scheduled to play Grosvenor but the pitch at George Avenue was partially waterlogged, so the Senior 1 fixture was postponed. The free weekend left their league position unchanged owing to several other games falling foul of the adverse weather condition. Caroline Darragh’s girls remain in a mid table position where they are battling with Knock and Cookstown to challenge the top four. Undefeated leaders, Banbridge, remain hot favourites for promotion. Ballyclare are away to Ballymena on Friday evening.