Glenanne captain rescues a draw in race for top four

LISNAGARVEY HC hosted Glenanne hockey club in the EY Hockey League at Comber Road, Hillsborough on Saturday.

The teams coming into the match in contrasting form since their Irish Senior Cup quarter-final clash 13 days previously.

After triumphing that day, Glenanne had since won their last 2 matches, whilst ‘Garvey had struggled to a draw against Instonians and a loss to rivals Banbridge.

Despite Glenanne winning a penalty corner inside the first minute, it was the home team who struck early-captain James Corry scoring with a far post tap in in the 3rd minute to give Garvey the lead.

Both teams had excellent chances to score thereafter but some excellent defending keeping the scores as they were at the end of quarter 1, 1-0 to Lisnagarvey.

The 2nd quarter followed a similar trend but neither team able to add to the tally.

1-0 it remained until half-time.

It was a tale of the two goalkeepers – Irish international GK James Milliken in the Garvey net and former Irish junior international David Lawless in the Glenanne net.

An excellent move from Garvey down the left flank was eventually thwarted by Lawless.

However Milliken could do nothing to stop Glenanne drawing level in the 3rd quarter- After a sweeping attacking move the ball broke down with Lisnagarvey winning a free hit and taking the auto-pass quickly.

Equally quick thinking from Richard Couse to dispossess the onrushing Garvey defender and finding Glenanne captain Brad Venter inside the circle.

Venter swivelled and struck a rasping shot from a tight angle over the head of Milliken.

1-1 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Both teams continued to press for the winner but the scoreline remained unchanged, ending 1-1.

Glenanne return to Dublin next week Saturday to host local rivals Pembroke Wanderers in what is a do-or-die match for the visitors in their bid to remain in the EY Hockey League.