HOCKEY: Curry too hot to handle

After a shaky opening 15 minutes, Carrick began to settle as their midfield and defence combined more effectively with some excellent passing and movement.

The Carrick midfield in particular worked well together, keeping possession for long spells and denying their opponents any meaningful attacking opportunities.

When Carrick worked their way into the circle winning a penalty-corner, the resultant push-out from Stacey McGookin to team captain Christine Clarke led to the ball being drilled towards the left post where winger Jackie Spence pounced to give Carrick their first goal of the new campaign.

Spence was on hand to double her side’s lead, beating the goalkeeper to give her team a two-goal cushion at the break. 

Their third came courtesy of young centre-forward Dara Curry who was first to react to a loose ball after a goalmouth scramble. Curry was too hot to handle and she popped up the Carrick’s fourth.

Ballymena grabbed a late consolation strike after quick counter-attack, leaving the final score 4-1 for Carrick.

Don’t miss this week’s Times for details of Carrick Ladies’ first team’s win over Kilkeel