Ards Ladies get their EYHL2 campaign underway this afternoon when they host Munster side UCC at Londonderry Park.
The side has been in terrific form this campaign and find themselves second in the league but will be hoping to bounce back from defeat last week.
Having taken an early lead against Queen’s University through Frankie Brown, they ultimately lost 2-1 in a massive game in the title race.
Now they turn their attention to cup hockey as they look to continue their push for promotion and make it an immediate return to the EYHL.
Their first obstacle in the group stage is a UCC side who have won 11 of their 12 league games this season and have conceded just five goals.
Meanwhile, they come into today’s game off the back of a 3-0 win last weekend against Cork Church of Ireland.
Banbridge could make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they take on Portadown in the Legacy Ulster Women’s Premier League today.
The side has found themselves in the midst of a relegation fight this campaign, but last weekend recorded a 3-1 win over an in-form Ballymoney side.
Goals from Rachel Cairns, Emma Lindsey and Sam Bann sealed the win which made it one defeat in their last four outings and move three points clear of the relegation playoff spot.
They now face a tough task as they take on fourth-placed Portadown this afternoon at Havelock Park.
Youngsters Emily Adamson and Katie Herron have led the line for the side this season with seven goals each and played a crucial role for their side this season.
However, four defeats in their last six games in all competitions has seen Portadown slip to fourth in the league with today’s game a chance for the side to re-find their form.
Elsewhere in the division, Lurgan are looking to make third place their own as they travel to Armagh.
The side recently overtook Portadown in the table and will be hopeful of extending the gap between the two sides.
With just one defeat this season, no side have lost less games than them with the side having drawn too many games to be in the title race.
They now face an Armagh side who have won just once in the 14 league games and are desperate for points to improve their survival chances.
The last time the sides met, it was a narrow 2-1 win for Lurgan, a result Armagh will be determined to rectify this afternoon.
Photo: Front Row Union
