Jordan’s leveller secures a share of the spoils for ‘Clare

The visitors had opened the scoring at Ballyclare High School grounds, but the hosts responded to earn a 1-1 draw.

The Tyrone girls started in top gear, forcing the locals to defend in depth, but when two forwards burst through the visitors were one up after 10 minutes.

Gillian McMaw and Penny Purdy were towers of strength at the heart of the defence during this onslaught, but gradually the home side began to push forward, with Suzanne Dickey making strong bursts towards the circle.

Dickey created space for Jones to restore parity with a cool strike that kept the scores level at the break.

Both teams had been tackling with gusto and the umpires responded by dishing out three yellow cards - two to Cookstown and one to Ballyclare.

The visiting left-winger had starred in the first half, but after the interval she was blocked out by Kerry McLeod and Emma Gamble, giving goalkeeper Sara Coulter an easier time.

Jaquie Hanley and Jones were linking effectively up front, but were unable to make the decisive breakthrough against a well-organised defence.

Acting captain Vikki Milligan was missing, but her absence was offset by the return of Caroline Darragh and Victoria White who worked tirelessly in midfield.

In a frenetic finish, play was in home territory, and only Lorraine Ashcroft’s brilliant save prevented them leaving with full points.

Ballyclare Ladies panel: S Coulter, G McMaw, J Purdy, K McLeod, L Ashcroft, R Beattie, S Dickey (C), C Darragh, J Hanley, V White, J Mills, E Gamble, R Campbell, J Jones.

On Saturday George Avenue will be the venue for the bottom of the table local derby with Larne Ladies, with both teams striving to climb out of the relegation zone.

The Ballyclare girls take this opportunity to thank Simpson Developments for their generous sponsorship.

n Meanwhile, Parkview Ladies had a free weekend, but they resume their Senior League programme when they travel to promotion chasing Newry Olympic Ladies on Saturday.