Things really are starting to click for South Seconds

It has been a difficult first season for the second XI but there have been signs lately that things were starting to click for the locals.

The match was evenly contested in the first half with both teams creating chances. Ballymena were awarded two penalty corners which were successfully defended by South Antrim.

In midfield, Danielle Heasley was combining well with Alannah Richardson to release first Emma Tweedie and then Ruth Young on the right wing.

Eventually, a move begun in South’s own half by Nicole Robinson resulted in Laura McConnell firing home from close range to give South Antrim the first half lead.

South Antrim started the second half strongly and soon added to their lead. Some great work on the right wing allowed Ruth Young to play a perfect pass into the path of Danielle Heasley who expertly slotted the ball into the net.

This was a goal worthy of any game. The second goal seemed to inject some life into the home team and the next period of play was dominated by Ballymena.

The South defence marshalled by Carol Redpath had to withstand some sustained pressure, but eventually the inevitable goal arrived with a fine strike from the edge of the circle ending up in the South net.

South were having to hang on at this stage with only minutes left on the clock it looked as though an equaliser was on the cards. Catherine Growcott in goal and Nicole Smith in defence between them made last gasp tackles to preserve the narrow South lead.

With two minutes left, a clearance by Carol Redpath found Anna Dornan who beat two players and fed the ball to Carly Niblock who found the back of the net to seal the points for South.

This was a welcome win for South and leaves them in mid-table in Junior 9.

Player of the match for South was Danielle Heasley.