Ladies remain undefeated in Ardrossan hockey clash
Ardrossan 2s 1 Arran Ladies 3
As the Arran Ladies get back into the hockey season after a two-month break over Christmas, there was some doubt as to whether or not the game in Ardrossan was going to go ahead.
Even though the team had already travelled over to Ardrossan on the 8.20am ferry, the call to cancel the game due to the pitch being frozen had not been finalised. The decision was made to go ahead with caution as a quarter of the pitch was very slippery, much to Arran’s delight, as it would have been a wasted journey for the players.
Arran lost the coin toss so the first half of the game was played shooting into the sun and, on the frozen quarter of the pitch, it certainly was a disadvantage with unsure footing causing quite a few slips and air shots. Arran had a few attempted shots on goal and Ardrossan had some very good strong attacking breaks which kept Arran’s goalkeeper, Ali Hollingworth, on her toes. Ardrossan’s efforts were rewarded with a goal close to the end of the first half.
After a chat at half-time, where Phil Adams encouraged the team to talk to each other more and to call for passes, knowing that playing down the opposite side of the pitch would end their disadvantage, the team came out with determination in the second half.
Swiftly keeping control of the play and after quick successive passing entering the shooting circle, Arran’s left wing, Lorraine Hewie, scored the team’s first and equalising goal.
Ardrossan were awarded a penalty flick shortly after which didn’t make the back of the net, much to Arran’s relief. With all still to play for, both teams attempted to add to their points. Arran’s defence proved unbreakable and Ali charged many attempts from Ardrossan’s fast centre forward striker, completely putting her off her stride and fouling any attempts on goal.
Arran got a break in midfield play and drove the ball forward, and a superb pass from Judith Ross from the right wing over to the left ended with Lorraine’s second goal. Shortly before full-time, Abbie McKelvie scored Arran’s third from a pass from the back up to the top of the circle from which she sealed the deal for Arran’s winning result.
The final whistle blew with Arran victorious in a 3-1 win, still undefeated this season and securely sitting on the top of the fourth division league table with a clear five points ahead and a game in hand.
Abbie McKelvie was nominated man of the match and Ali Hollingworth was voted dame of the game by her team-mates. Thanks went to Pauline Reid for umpiring and Billy Dunlop for coming out to mentor and coach Pauline.
The next game for the Arran Ladies will be an away fixture on Saturday January 28 against Giffnock 2s, weather permitting.