Northern Ireland Women's Football Association

Match Report

Watched by Strikers’ forthcoming UEFA opponents, Glasgow City, the visiting team started the stronger of the two and Julie Nelson’s goal bound shot which was saved well on five minutes was a portent for what was to come. The Strikers’ midfield included a first start for Heather Mairns whose performances for the reserves have earned her promotion to the firsts while Danielle McDowell was rested following Northern Ireland’s boosting international win against Estonia. Despite their first half dominance which was reflected in Ballymena’s consistently deep lying defensive position after 20 minutes, Strikers failed to capitalise on a number of clear cut chances created by Debbie McCarthy (from a corner on 24 mins) and Lynsey Patterson’s scintillating shot on 43 mins from a left wing cross by Lisa Armour. The Ballymena keeper was certainly the busier of the two in the first half but the score remained 0 – 0 at half time.

Following the restart, coach Billy Wylie’s change of playing formation at half time reaped immediate dividends because Strikers created 5 clear chances in the first 9 minutes before rejuvenated captain, Nadine Murphy, put them ahead with her trademark left-footed slotting of a low driven ball past the flailing arms of the Ballymena keeper. This allowed the Strikers to settle into a pattern of play which had Ballymena penned in their half for the first 25 minutes of the second half. During this time and until the final whistle, Lynsey Patterson put in a performance that certainly impressed the observant Scots and puts her in the mix for another player of the match nomination. Her shot on 24 minutes from outside the box was unlucky not to dip at the last minute and give her some scoresheet satisfaction. As is the way with league run-ins, Strikers did not have it all their own way, however. Their in form keeper Angela Platt was forced to pull off yet another technically perfect save on the 70th minute to keep Strikers ahead when she dealt decisively with a dangerously dipping ball. Strikers centre forward Helen McKenna won herself a penalty on 81 minutes from a heavy tackle from behind but cue the re-entry of the less than ideal surface. Helen’s calmly taken penalty was heading for the bottom lefthand corner when an awkwardly placed divot and bounce took the ball outside the post to the relief of everyone involved in the Ballymena set-up. Helen channeled her obvious disappointment into a determination to make amends which she did by putting through substitite Clare Carson (for Terri Harper) on 84 minutes to guarantee the points for Strikers. Clare’s goal celebration reflected the growing confidence and unity within the Strikers squad as well as their acknowledgement of the crucial assist by McKenna. Nadine Murphy’s more attacking role suited her and the team while Sara Booth and Julie Nelson continue to be the defensive (and increasingly offensive) bedrock on which the Strikers’ attractive style of play flourishes. The final score was 2 -0 which keeps Strikers top of the league ahead of their crucial home game against Glentoran BU this coming Saturday, July 31st. Kick-off, 7pm at Seaview.

Report -: Dr Katie Liston

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