Ladies Hockey

ARDROSSAN 1s 3

HILLHEAD 2

ARDROSSAN first team swept into second place in the league with a vital win against nearest rivals Hillhead 2’s at St Matthew’s Academy on Saturday.

The hosts started the brightest with the bulk of the possession and nearly went ahead with shots from Fiona Matthews and Tara Mair.

Lauren Stevenston and Linny Fisher were getting good service in the wide positions, allowing them to fire in some inviting crosses.

Their pressure paid off when central defender Jenna Gossman surged forward and hit a glorious shot which was brilliantly saved, but Amanda Stewart was on hand to fire home the rebound. Despite Ardrossan’s possession at this stage, they couldn’t turn it into goals and Hillhead, expectantly, took advantage of this and scored just before half-time to level the game.

Up until their goal, the Ardrossan defence were dealing well with their attack with Jenna Gossman, Kirsty Dunlop and Gill Jack providing no way through the middle of the field.

Isla Thomson and Laura Mackie, as well as closing down the wide players, made some telling runs from full back positions.

Hillhead took control at the interval but Mhairi Dale in the Ardrossan goal pulled out some amazing saves to keep them at bay.

Their pressure told when they took the lead from a short corner with 10 minutes remaining.

Ardrossan then found their second wind and soon forced a short corner. Fiona Matthews levelled from a well-worked move with Kirsty Blackstock to score.

With minutes left, Lauren Stevenston collected the ball from a Gill Jack pass and ran through the Hillhead defence before rifling a ball towards goal, Tara Mair’s instinctive reaction let her deflect the ball in to score the winner and give the girls 3 vital points. Player of the match went to Lauren Stevenston It was a gutsy performance and a vital three points for the Ardrossan girls.

Ardrossan squad: M Dale; K Dunlop, G Jack, L Mackie, I. Thomson, C Fisher, J Gossman, K Blackstock, L Fisher (captain); T Mair, A Stewart, F. Matthews, L Stevenston.

ARDROSSAN 2s 5

STRATHCLYDE UNIVERSITY 3

THE hosts played a good passing game against a well-organised University team, who were level on points at the start of the game.

This team, which has a blend of youth and experience just, keep getting better with each game as they gel as a unit. Youngster Heather Howat had a fine game in defence, not allowing her opponents any space or time on the ball and surging forward in attack. Heather combined well with Alysanne Wilson and Fiona Johnston on the right, causing problems for the Strathclyde defence all game.

Lidia Carbonell and Clare Monaghan in midfield had a hand in all the Ardrossan goals with their non-stop running and enthusiasm. The girls were up 5-1 but relaxed in the latter stages before allowing the away team to score 2 further goals. Player of the match was Alysanne Wilson. The Ardrossan goals were scored by Ardrossan Academy pupil Kate Parker (2), St. Matthew’s Academy pupil, Rebecca Williamson (2) and captain Alysanne Wilson.

Ardrossan squad: V Campbell,; D Rogers, L Anderson, L Collins, S.McLeod, H.Howat, A Wilson, L Carbonell, C Monaghan, FJohnston, K Parker, R Williamson.