Inspirational half time talk sees Cookstown fire seven past Larne

A WONDERFUL hat trick by Claire Brown helped Cookstown Ladies to a big win over Larne in the Ulster Senior League.

Cookstown started the game slowly and after a few unconverted short corners it took some excellent play from Brown for Louise Donaghy to beat the keeper with a quick shot from the edge of the circle.

Cookstown then began to surge forward to try and increase their lead. A quick release from the Larne defence left Cookstown exposed at the back and Larne neatly converted their first penalty corner of the game. From the restart excellent play again from C. Brown and R. Brown saw Claire take the ball around the Larne keeper and slot the ball home.

Cookstown again were left exposed at the back and as if almost a carbon copy Larne came from behind to equalise, leaving the game 2-2 at the half time whistle.

An excellent half time team talk saw Cookstown come out with the spirit they needed to take control of the game.

With the defence putting in a solid performance, some excellent individual skills from J.Burns, G. Todd and R.Brown saw Cookstown driving forward in full force and L.J ohnston made an excellent run, tearing the Larne defence apart. Her strike from the edge of circle saw L.Donaghy take a cheeky deflection to put Cookstown in front again.

This goal left Cookstown full of confidence and the introduction of R. Stewart to the game and excellent play from her and C. Brown saw Cookstown go 4-2 in front with a one on one with the keeper and an excellent finish from Brown.

Cookstown’s forward line were on fire and within minutes L. Johnson had scored a well deserved goal.

A misplaced reverse shot from R.Stewart then saw L. Johnson take her second of the game.

With the game drawing to a close and three of Cookstown’s forwards fighting for hatricks, some excellent set piece moves gave Claire Brown the space she needed to yet again take the ball around the keeper and score Cookstown’s seventh and complete her treble.

Cookstown Ladies: B.Williamson, R.Miller, G.Brown, R.Smyth, J.Burns, G.Todd, R.Brown, L.Gillespie, L.Johnson, C.Brown, L.Donaghy, C. McWhirter, R.Stewart

Player of the Match: Claire Brown