Two Randalstown sides beat the big freeze

However, the conditions abated enough for the club’s Third and Fourth XIs to take to the field for their respective games.

THIRDS

Randalstown III 1, Portadown II 1: Randalstown 3rd XI played Portadown in this week’s Saturday afternoon fixture.

Play got underway at 4 o’clock in icy cold conditions, Randalstown having won the toss.

In the first half there was tension across the pitch from the outset, both teams vying for possession.

Randalstown had some good periods of sustained pressure on the attack, winning two short corners as result. Portadown also looked dangerous on the breakaway Rebecca Greenfield in goals having to make some important saves. Nonetheless, the first half concluded at 0-0.

Portadown came out strongly in the second half, scoring from a good short corner around 10 minutes into the second half. Randalstown responded quickly with a struggle on the goal line however, unfortunately didn’t capitalise.

The game continued to be competitive up until the end, an equaliser came from Randalstown in the last quarter of the game after Kirsty Manderson’s cross into the circle and a struggle in the circle resulted in a goal for Randalstown. The score sheet was levelled at 1-1 and despite some late opportunities for both sides the match ended in a draw.

FOURTHS

Randalstown IV 0, Derg Valley II 1: Randalstown fourths hosted Derg Valley in the first round of the Junior Plate on Saturday.

The girls were geared up and raring to go despite the very cold weather conditions. Randalstown fourths and Derg Valley engaged in a very physical, evenly matched contest.

There was plenty of attacking and defensive play displayed by both teams. However, it was Derg Valley that scored just before half time. Unfortunately for Randalstown that was the only goal of the match, which finished 1-0 to Derg Valley.

Thanks must go to the girls for all their effort and also to Erin Getty for umpiring.