Absolutely awesome prospect for the North Down Ladies football club, has bags of natural ability and unbelievable speed. Needs to concentrate on her final ball and we have the complete package. A young player with a very bright future and this will be her first ever season in the NIWFA and with a bit of hard work it could prove a very important one for the club itself - will be given her chance to do well up front, when she comes back from injury shortly. So, its up to her now!
TANYA BLACK - Striker
Tanya is another gifted and vastly talented youngster. Has proved a top class prospect in the pre season programme. Is starting to find her finishing touch and will become an accomplished goalscorer this season. Her pace is awesome and she will be unstoppable in 2006, with a sustained run in the team. Profile: Top class youngster, she has an incredible engine, talent and will put the ball in the net time and time again - only area that needs work on - finishing - but will get there!
LISA MAHOOD - Striker
The key to the North Down Ladies first season, with her very clever front running, can create space for her fellow strikers. Is intelligent and has fantastic ability and experience and well up on the team sheet. Top scorer for her previous club in 2002, but not given any chance to progress. Profile: Needs to work on her tackling - but will trouble any defence with pace, strength and determination, expect her to get another batch of goals in 2006. Has started the season in midfield and has seized the opportunity with some strong and determined play - already among the goals with strikes against Carrick and Ards Raiders.
SARA BRUNTON - Striker
Bangor teenager Sara came to the club in September and has been given a few starts in friendlies - looks to be learning and taking her time to adjust to what is a new sport and a new challenge - coming from a basketball background - she has the physical ability to impose her presence in 2006 - and with some one-on-one coaching she will be given an insight into her responsibility up front so it promises to be a good asset for the club. Profile - one to watch, the decision to send up to the front of the team is based on what she achieved in the last few weeks of winter training - another coming back soon from injury - with a fresh start and will to take on the challenge...
now!
DEIDRE SAVAGE - Striker
Very fit and intelligent talent, although another who will be making her first appearance in the NIWFA, she has already been earmarked as potentially the top striker at the club, has natural balance, pace and determination with some fine tuning will find the back of the net consistently throughout the season - has worked as hard as anyone at the club in pre-season and with the season fast approaching it may be time for her to get a regular start over the coming weeks in preparation for her baptism in the Intermediate Division - looks to have the natural instincts up front and is potentially a key member of the squad - rattled in a hat-trick in pre-season against Abbey Villa Ladies.
CATHY DUNCAN - Midfield
Will make a huge impact in her first season, is emerging as a top class utility player. Contributed all over the park in pre season, and is a role model for the younger players at the club. Going forward Cathy is unstoppable and has the energy and performance levels which will mould her into one of the top players for the club in 2006. Is still learning her responsibilities in midfield but in shaping up into a major player, give 101 per cent. Profile - when we add composure and vision will be one of the players with the club who has the ability to take the club into a higher division and sustain North Downs rise to the top of ladies football in Northern Ireland. Got off the mark in 2006 with an abolsutely stunning strike in the club's first friendly of the year v. Larne Ladies in March, and followed that with a double in Millisle - Awesome!!
ASHLEY HUTTON - Midfielder.
Arguably the biggest icon of ladies football in Northern Ireland today - currently at Arsenal Academy in London, training and playing with the English Champions - is a formible player with a decorated and acclaimed international background - Ashley will be returning to Northern Ireland in the Summer of 2006 - hoping to next the next step in an amazing career - travelling across the Atlantic to the biggest and most challenging of arena's AMERICA - although seen as a defender at international level - she has been utilised up front and let off the chain to be a vanguard in the spearhead attack at the club, in Pre-season warm up games, before returning to London and Arsenal where she has already bagged a Cup Final Medal with the ENGLISH CHAMPIONS - expect a lot more from this talented gifted teenager - a major asset to Northern Ireland Seniors - scored for North Down Ladies in the clubs win over Abbey Villa.
CHRISTINA McNAMARA - Midfielder.
A tough and versatile competitor, loves be involved and get at defences during a game. Finding her feet in midfield and won’t be muscled out of a battle in the middle of the park. Registered for 2006 and has contributed in the pre-season with an a number of cameo appearances. Has a fantastic competitive attitude and could be another key player at this club. Profile: A player already showing the benefit of playing and grasping a better understanding of the players around her, has already shown a good level of fitness and has registered a goal scoring touch in the league opener against Knockbreda - good all rounder - proved herself in a recent game versus Carrick with a outstanding contribution - has now firmly established a firm grip on the right side of midfield.
CAROLYN SCOTT - Midfield
Carolyn has an that extra gear and can destroy teams with her pace. Playing out wide she is an all round athlete, and has notched up a number of goals already, without any real coaching - so when we add that ingredient to her game we can expect a big contribution in 2006. Is very quite capable of stepping up her game and with some experience will prove an abundance of talent. Profile - when at her best she is dangerous and direct, her workrate is good and the club has probably found her ideal position which is out wide right - recorded her first strike for the club in pre-season, and has been switched to the left where she has also excelled - looks to be starting to enjoy her football at the club with some good determined play.
PETRA ARMSTRONG - Midfielder.
Petra could prove one of the finds of the season, will start the season in top form and from there can slowly grow in both confidence and stature at the Club. Is highly rated by the management at the club with lightning pace and when we can add the final ball or some clinical finishing will be a tremendous asset in 2006. Has notched up a number of goals with her previous club who never gave her any credit and will relish the opportunity to show what she can do. Profile - has the ability to play at the top level and is worthy of selection - if we can get her fully focused and increase her mental sharpness could prove a catalyst in the future.
SUSAN CULL - Midfield
A player who is probably the most gifted at the club - has experience and technical ability in abundance - only lacks match sharpness and continues to work hard at fitness in preparation for the 2006 season we have a match winner in both the midfield area, where Susan can control the game - or with a stint up front where she can be very useful in the final third with some gifted touches and a solid punch. Will need plenty of pre-season activity to get up to match fitness and if she can up the tempo of her game she will prove a major handful for any defence. Profile - a make or break season with all to play for - Susan can emerge from the pack as one of the top players at the club with the ability to guide and mould the young players around her into a potent strike force. Scored against PSNI in the league in May, but injured following her triple LuaLua back flip goal celebrations.
JOANNA WILLIAMSON - Defender
Joanna joined North Down Ladies at the end of the 2005 season and has shown both the right attitude and willingness to participate in the last few weeks of training. A left sided player who have already shown that is she prepared for the challenge, having made a start towards to the end of 05, will be given the chance to show what sort of contribution she could make in 2006 and the management will be keeping a close eye on her over the coming months. Profile - Has shown a desire and willingness to commit in 2006 and work hard - the management quietly expect Joanna to make a significant contribution in her first year in the NIWFA - did very well in debut and continues to improve with every game played - best performance yet against Larne Ladies in late May.
KIM DOCKERY - Midfield
A top class footballer and a player who has consistently performed at a very high level in a career which is littered with success. A player who can play in any position and who breed confidence to those who are lined up with her. This year hopes to see her settle into her favoured midfield role and as a forward thinking player Kim will also bag a number of goals in the 2006 season. May be short of pace but her technical ability is second to none and that should prove to be a key element in the North Down Ladies season. Profile: A quiet but very dependable footballer, makes a contribution wherever she plays and with a regular sustained place in a starting line-up - this player will be the difference in tight games - one who has the ability to produce something when its needed - add fitness to her profile and she will be the best all round player at the club - started well with goals against Knockbreda and PSNI as the league got underway.
PAULA DOUGHERTY - DEFENDER.
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A top class player with bags of experience and an ideal right back - with both vision and pace. This is a huge year for this ex North Down Star player - and although a very competitive, intelligent and committed player - there’s more to come from this power packed warrior and is definitely a major signing for 2006. Profile - has vision and is very strong, but more importantly will never give up and will never let the club down when called into the team - gives 100% every game. Captained the side in the club's first ever win the Intermediate B Division, home at Clandeboye Park, against PSNI on May 2nd.
ANGIE YOUNG - Defender
A player who has done it all - and played at all levels in a very colourful and successful footballing career. Settling into a spell with a new club and a much needed refreshing start to 2006. Undaunted by anything, the tenacious terrier is back and playing her best football for the club, and while has nothing to prove to the management her fantastic attitude will bring something extra into the whole club in 2006. Profile - explosive, dedicated and will run through a brick wall for the team - is often the motivational focus of the heart of the side - Coming back from injury against Carrick Rangers in May.
PATRICIA WEBB - Defender
Came to the club just this season, although has previous form - and is proving a great asset for the young club - has great qualities - brave and technically very sound - has had a run at various positions and looks to be most useful at the centre of the defence with some ferocious tackling and clever instinctive reading of the modern game - Trish although is a useful utility player with a lot of potential - has had a spell out wide and once the team settles will come into her own - could be a leader with more vocal instruction - but finding her feet in the team - and once she establishes a first team spot - will be very hard to shift - Profile: bags of talent, useful utility player who has a biting tackle and solid approach to the modern game - technically sound and has already featured in the 2006 season for North Down Ladies.
CHRISTINE MORRISON - Defender
Solid dependable, and very resolute central defender - has tremendous pace and can recover lost causes at the back. Is still a learner in terms of reading the game, although an asset to any side - this season she has started strong in the pre-season - and proving to be determined to get better - not afraid to put her foot in and is totally committed to those 50-50 tackles - if Christine worked on some basics she could prove another player at the club who could ensure promotion in the next few years for the Bangor based side - Profile: young, bright and very quick, is slowly developing into a solid defender and has proved herself very capable of mixing it up, with a good solid performance against the Championship winning Strikers recently - potentially top quality footballer and a good signing for 2006.
ALANNA KERR - Defender
Quiet and dependable, can use either foot although favours the left side. Reads the game superbly and will be given a lot more starts in 2006 when she become available in early June. Is a tough competitor and as she is capable of lifting her game when called upon. Put in alot of useful performances but can be a better player than most people believe/ Profile - Tremendous footballer who will emerge when she commits in 2006 as a regular in the team, and will prove to be a key instrumental figure for the success of the team.
PEGGY MATHEWS - Defender.
Another role model with a strong, determined and formidable character. She will have her best season ever in 2006 and is starting to impress with some tough tackling and has never been afraid to put her foot in when it’s needed. Should continue to improve and with the ability to distribute intelligently and quickly Peggy could prove a regular starter for the team and could take responsibility for the defensive unit. Profile - Is a genuine competitor who is determined to succeed at this club - she taking on herself in relation to fitness and if she comes through that battle - then we will have the one of the best defenders in the league in 2006.
DEBBIE VAUGHAN - Defender.
Debbie is another who has joined the club just at the right time - when she will have the time to adjust to the pace and demands of senior football. Has a fantastic attitude and has impressed with her desire to learn, despite carrying an injury which restricted her progress in 2005 - is another who will benefit and will emerge in 2006 as a candidate for the divisional campaigns. Profile - Debbie is an enthusiastic, utility player and has been deliberately protected over the last few weeks of the winter training to give her a fresh start in January. Has good pace, and vision and will be another one to watch in 2006.
JULIE GRAHAM - Defender
Julie is about to emerge on her fist ever season in the NIWFA and although she has a lot of work to do in relation to her fitness and first touch - she could prove a useful attribute if she can continue to put in some hard work in pre season. The management intends to protect her and slowly introduce her into a back four and give her a few outing to wet her appetite for the modern game. Her efforts have seen her slowly progress and if she can continue on this vein - we will see a fairly accomplished footballer at the end of 2006. Profile - Needs to accept that it will be a tough challenge to catch up with some of the more experienced players and her patience will be paramount in realizing that this will take time and although frustration will haunt her at the start of the year - improvement will be just the medicine for which to build on.
JACKIE PRICE - Defender
Came to the club with some experience having played for a neighbouring side in its infancy - however this could present her with her biggest test - coming back to football with a fresh start in a new club - has shown that she still has alot of talent, so it will give her the incentive to wipe away some of those negative thoughts she may have picked up - a versatile and ferocious defender who will snap at the heels of opposing strikers - and a good signing for 2006 - already made a good debut v. Larne in March with a sound all round contribution - could also feature in midfield. JP took player of the game at Clandeboye Park against PSNI in the Club first home game in the NIWFA.
LADIES FOOTBALL IN NORTH DOWN
