Hockey team continue impressive league start with another big win

SHETLAND Ladies continued their impressive start to their first North District hockey league campaign at the weekend.

The blues competed well in a 2–0 defeat against a strong Gordonians Merlins side on Saturday before recording a brilliant 4–0 victory over Aberdeen Hockey Club on Sunday.

With Nicola Balfour taking charge in the absence of head coach Derek Leask, Shetland started brightly against Merlins, with Kayleigh Irvine making an early break towards goal, only to be denied by goalkeeper Hannah Williamson.

Gordonians proved to be a very good side, with a strong defence and some excellent passing play.

They gave Shetland little time on the ball, and much of the match developed into a competitive midfield battle.

Maggie Irvine and Balfour provided experience in the middle, while Kayleigh Irvine continued to find space going forward. Stacey Laurenson, Shannon Burgess and Dana Evans were also involved in Shetland’s attacking play.

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Bethany Orlowska came close to scoring after a good individual run through the Merlins defence, but her final effort went narrowly wide.

Merlins took the lead following a penalty corner when Megan Nicholson saved the initial shot, only for a deflected follow-up effort to find the net.

A second goal, also following a deflection, gave the home side a 2–0 victory.

Eve Wiseman and Caitlin Spence both played well in defence, while Nicholson made several important saves and was named Shetland’s player of the match.

Sunday’s match against Aberdeen HC saw Shetland take control from the outset, dominating midfield and creating plenty of chances.

Aimee Keith made a big difference in midfield alongside Kayleigh and Maggie Irvine, while Catherine Irvine and Wiseman linked well down the left. Olivia Waddle and Sadie Fox also provided attacking options on the right.

Catherine Irvine opened the scoring after meeting a pass from Kayleigh at the top of the circle and sweeping the ball into the corner.

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Shetland continued to press forward, with Kayleigh Irvine, Laurenson and Orlowska also getting on the scoresheet to complete a convincing 4–0 victory.

Evans was unlucky not to score, having one effort cleared off the line and another ruled out after the whistle.

Aberdeen’s goalkeeper had an excellent game, making a number of saves and also denying Maggie Irvine from a penalty stroke.

Shetland were rarely troubled defensively and could have added several more goals, but the Aberdeen goalkeeper kept the score down.

Catherine Irvine was named player of the match after an excellent performance on the left of midfield.

It means Shetland have recorded four wins and two defeats from their opening six fixtures, which comes in their inaugural season in the north district league.