Sproule grabs Prior’s winner

An earlier than expected pass back put pressure on some of the team to make it in time from school matches in the morning, but the ladies travelled to Dungannon Royal School, which was a new venue for the visiting team having not played this opposition in higher leagues, in up beat mood.

The Prior side were missing three key players out from injury and other commitments and the game started with both sides trying to get the measure of each other.

It was an open game of hockey for Priorians as the Dungannon side clamped their game fully to the right side of their pitch, this gave the visiting team opportunities to move the ball fluidly from one side to the other and use the space on their left to full advantage with new recruit Claire Whiteside making superb runs behind the defence.

Emma Sproule and Becka Adair worked well up front linking together some lovely passing and this pressure resulted in a goal for Sproule.

She expertly weaved her way to almost the baseline and from the tighest of angles scored a lovely goal. It was her presence of mind to observe the goal keeper had left her near post open, a cardinal sin in the world of goalkeeping.

The midfield worked tirelessly together and provided some opportunities for the forwards again to attack the Dungannon circle but to no avail with the scoreline remaining 1-0 to the visitors at half-time.

The team started the second half with gusto and tried to move the ball across the pitch but the Dungannon side were aware of their weaknesses after their team talk at half time.

With Priorian’s coach Richard Fairman having to step up to the role of umpire, the team had to think for themselves and failed to realise the opportunity of putting a forward high on the pitch to take advantage of the long ball through on an extremely bouncy surface.

The Dungannon side started to pressurise the Priorians defence but Rhonda Duddy, Alexandra Graham and player of the match Claire Lightowlers held strong.

The Priorians side, who were low in confidence from previous losses last season were desperate to hold on to their lead and totally camped into their half.

Despite all efforts from Dungannon, Priorians were lucky to hold on to their 1-0 lead and came of the pitch with a win.

The side were delighted and hope this will help to regain confidence for future games.

Priorians: Megan McClintock, Rhonda Duddy, Claire Lightowlers, Alex Graham, Alice O’Neill, Sharon Karayiannis, Bronagh Doherty, Kathryn Rough, Demi Harper, Becka Adair, Emma Sproule, Claire Whiteside.