Hat-trick Star Patterson secures Raphoe another win

North Down commenced the match with determination and drive in order to exert pressure on the travelling team.

Raphoe found themselves on the back foot trying to get a grip on the match in the early stages, however, the intensity of their counterparts made this a challenge.

Raphoe’s defensive strategies kept North Down’s chances to a minimum with crucial tackles breaking down play.

The hosts, however, broke the deadlock about twenty minutes with short corner routine. Heather Humphrey, the Raphoe netminder, made a wonderful initial save, however, the North Down attacker was very happy when the ball return to her stick and she was able to safely slot the opening goal.

As the half progressed the match evened out and Raphoe dug deep to demonstrate their ability and passing play which has seen the destruction of many teams to date.

As the first half ended Raphoe were one goal down and had little chances to question the defence and goalkeeper of North Down.

Half-time saw a Raphoe team regroup, reflect on their performance and rectify issues that the first half presented – a focused team emerged.

Raphoe and North Down went head to head with both teams looking goal hungry. Raphoe put the match on a level pegging with a beautiful passage of play.

Raphoe were making the pitch as large as possible with their movement of the ball from side to side, the aim was to stretch North Down as much as possible.

The ball having switched to the right side found Arlyne Kilpatrick and opened the hosts defensive line. The experienced Sabrina Barnett made a well-timed run to accept the oncoming pass.

Barnett with an aura of calmness looked up slotted the ball through a narrow opening into the danger area at the back post, to the awaiting stick of Wendy Patterson, leaving the keeper had no chance.

The Donegal girls were back on level terms and ready to hunt for more opportunities to turn this game in their favour.

The momentum continued for Raphoe. Leanne Patterson was weaving in and out of players avoiding numerous heavy tackles.

The umpire let advantage play and L. Patterson found herself in the D with an opportunity on goal, without hesitation, she took her shot.

The ball was saved and as North Down scrambled to make a clearance Wendy Patterson found herself in the right place at the right time and slammed in her second goal of the day.

Raphoe didn’t have the second half all their way. North Down continued to pressurise, Lisa Patterson, Lyndsey Tinney and Victoria Wray were instrumental in breaking down play and intercepting the ball. The hosts came extremely close to levelling the game with a fast break.

Humphrey found herself in a one on one battle with the North Down attacker.

The goalie made the decision to dive low and while she made the attempt on goal all the more difficult the danger was not at bay. With the keeper, a little stranded A Kilpatrick swooped in to make a crucial tackle and clear the ball to avoid the Raphoe Ladies conceding.

The game continued and the intense battle was evident. A number of green cards were shared between both teams.

Raphoe felt they put the game away with only ten minutes on the clock as Patterson sent the ball sailing in spectacular fashion into the top left corner of the opposing nets.

A superb reward from the galloping run of Zara Tinney down the right. The pass into the area was cleverly deflected on by Rebecca Wauchope to secure Patterson’s hat trick.

North Down were not going to go quietly and battled to the bitter end and they were very unfortunate not to score with a deflection. Raphoe breathed a sigh of relief as they admired the attempt as it dipped slightly wide.

Raphoe had fought back and their superior fitness was a clear and decisive factor in the outcome of the game. Next week Raphoe hope to continue their success with a home game against CI in Raphoe.

Team:  Heather Humphrey, Arlyne Kilpatrick, Victoria Wray, Jasmine Tinney, Julie Wilson, Zara Tinney, Lyndsey Tinney, Wendy Patterson, Lisa Patterson, Sabrina Barnett (Captain), Leanne Patterson, Katy Love, Lisa Smyth, Janice Nelson, Rebecca Wauchope, Amy Wauchope

Player of the Match: Wendy Patterson